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Published on: January 13, 2023
Photodynamic therapy for urological malignancies: past to current approaches
Jehonathan H Pinthus1, Arjen Bogaards, Robert Weersink
1Prostate Cancer Center, University Health Network and Department of Medical Biophysics, Ontario Cancer Institute, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
Purpose:
Modern PDT for urological tumors is a potentially selective approach in which in situ photosensitization by a nontoxic drug, locally activated by light, generates cytotoxic reactive oxygen species, causing cell death. While urological clinical experience with PDT is largely limited to treatment for superficial bladder cancer, the advent of novel photosensitizers and technologies for treatment planning, light delivery and dosimetry, PDT for prostate and other urological cancers appears increasingly realistic.
Materials And Methods:
We reviewed the current literature on PDT for urological tumors, in addition to recent emerging data from our laboratory and elsewhere.
Results:
Remarkable progress has been made in the field of photochemistry and photobiology. Together with improved optical delivery and imaging systems PDT holds promise as an alternative, minimally invasive and potentially curative treatment for localized solid tumors as well as for palliative treatment for isolated, clinically problematic metastases.
Conclusions:
Current experience with photodynamic therapy using contemporary photosensitizing agents and light sources is mainly restricted to in vivo experimental models and early phase clinical trails. However, ongoing preclinical work and clinical trials indicate that safer and effective PDT treatments in uro-oncology are imminent.
Insights
Photodynamic therapy (PDT) offers a selective approach for urological tumors by using light-activated drugs to generate cell-killing compounds. Advances suggest PDT is becoming a realistic, minimally invasive treatment option for various uro-oncological conditions.
Area of Science:
- Uro-oncology
- Photodynamic Therapy
- Photochemistry
Background:
- Photodynamic therapy (PDT) utilizes photosensitization for targeted cancer treatment.
- Current clinical application of PDT in urology is primarily for superficial bladder cancer.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the current literature and emerging data on PDT for urological tumors.
- To assess the potential of PDT as a treatment for prostate and other urological cancers.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of photodynamic therapy in urological tumors.
- Inclusion of recent laboratory and external research data.
Main Results:
- Significant advancements in photochemistry and photobiology.
- PDT shows promise as a minimally invasive treatment for localized solid tumors and metastases.
- Improved optical delivery and imaging systems enhance PDT efficacy.
Conclusions:
- Current PDT experience is mainly in experimental models and early clinical trials.
- Ongoing research indicates imminent development of safer and effective PDT treatments in uro-oncology.
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