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Updated: Aug 7, 2026
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In Vitro and In Vivo Evaluation of Photocontrolled Biologically Active Compounds - Potential Drug Candidates for Cancer Photopharmacology
Published on: September 29, 2023
Nature: a rich source for developing multifunctional agents. Tumor-imaging and photodynamic therapy
Ravindra K Pandey1, Lalit N Goswami, Yihui Chen
1Photodynamic Therapy Center, Roswell Park Cancer Institute, Buffalo, New York 14263, USA. Ravindra.Pandey@roswellpark.org
Lasers in Surgery and Medicine
|June 22, 2006
Summary
Researchers developed over 600 photosensitizers using chlorophyll-a and bacteriochlorophyll-a for photodynamic therapy. These agents show promise for cancer treatment and multimodal imaging applications.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Organic Chemistry
- Photomedicine
Background:
- Chlorophyll-a and bacteriochlorophyll-a are natural pigments with photosensitizing properties.
- Photodynamic therapy (PDT) utilizes photosensitizers to generate reactive oxygen species for therapeutic effects.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the development of over 600 photosensitizers derived from chlorophyll-a and bacteriochlorophyll-a.
- To highlight their chemistry, preclinical, and clinical data.
- To explore their potential as multimodality agents for imaging and therapy.
Main Methods:
- Synthesis and characterization of novel photosensitizers.
- Evaluation of photosensitizer efficacy in preclinical models.
- Review of clinical data for selected photosensitizers.
Main Results:
- Development of more than 600 photosensitizers with absorption maxima between 660 nm and 800 nm.
- Identification of several highly effective photosensitizers.
- Demonstration of tumor-avid properties for potential imaging and therapeutic applications.
Conclusions:
- Chlorophyll-a and bacteriochlorophyll-a serve as versatile scaffolds for developing effective photosensitizers.
- These photosensitizers show significant potential in photodynamic therapy and as multimodality agents.
