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Local treatment of viral disease using photodynamic therapy
1Department of Colour Chemistry, Centre for Photobiology and Photodynamic Therapy, The University, LS2 9JT, Leeds, UK. ccdmw@leeds.ac.uk
Abstract:
Although reports of the photodynamic inactivation of viruses appeared in 1928, long before chemotherapeutic antiviral drugs, the first clinical trial in humans-the topical treatment of herpes genitalis-did not take place until the early 1970s. Trials were discontinued due to the transformation of healthy cells and concomitant incidence of Bowen's disease in some patients, probably due to the migration of infective sections of photodamaged viral nucleic acid. With the modern development of photodynamic therapy as a cancer treatment and the use of photosensitisers in the photodecontamination of blood products, a great deal of experience has been gained, both in the minimisation of side effects in humans and in the targeting and eradication of viruses. This suggests that the photodynamic approach to a range of virus-associated infections, lesions and cancer might now be revisited with greater success.
Insights
Photodynamic therapy, an early antiviral approach, was halted due to side effects. Modern advances suggest revisiting this method for virus-associated conditions with improved safety and efficacy.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Virology
- Photomedicine
Background:
- Photodynamic inactivation of viruses was reported in 1928.
- Early human trials for herpes genitalis in the 1970s were discontinued due to adverse effects like healthy cell transformation and Bowen's disease, likely from viral nucleic acid migration.
- Modern photodynamic therapy (PDT) is established for cancer treatment, and photosensitizers are used for blood product decontamination.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the potential of revisiting photodynamic approaches for treating virus-associated infections, lesions, and cancers.
- To leverage advancements in PDT and photosensitizer technology to overcome limitations of early antiviral photodynamic trials.
Main Methods:
- Review of historical data on early photodynamic antiviral trials.
- Consideration of modern advancements in photodynamic therapy (PDT) for cancer treatment.
- Evaluation of photosensitizer applications in blood product decontamination.
Main Results:
- Early photodynamic antiviral trials faced challenges including cellular transformation and disease development.
- Significant progress has been made in minimizing side effects of PDT in humans.
- Experience in targeting and eradicating viruses using photosensitizers has been gained.
Conclusions:
- Modern advancements in PDT and photosensitizer technology offer a renewed opportunity for photodynamic antiviral strategies.
- The photodynamic approach may now be revisited for various virus-associated conditions with greater potential for success and safety.