Combating melanoma: the use of photodynamic therapy as a novel, adjuvant therapeutic tool
1Department of Human Biology, University of Cape Town Medical School, Observatory, Cape Town, South Africa. lester.davids@uct.ac.za
Abstract:
Metastatic malignant melanoma remains one of the most dreaded skin cancers worldwide. Numerous factors contribute to its resistance to hosts of treatment regimes and despite significant scientific advances over the last decade in the field of chemotherapeutics and melanocytic targets, there still remains the need for improved therapeutic modalities. Photodynamic therapy, a minimally invasive therapeutic modality has been shown to be effective in a number of oncologic and non-oncologic conditions. Using second-generation stable, lipophilic photosensitizers with optimised wavelengths, PDT may be a promising tool for adjuvant therapy in combating melanoma. Potential targets for PDT in melanoma eradication include cell proliferation inhibition, activation of cell death and reduction in pro-survival autophagy and a decrease in the cellular melanocytic antioxidant system. This review highlights the current knowledge with respect to these characteristics and suggests that PDT be considered as a good candidate for adjuvant treatment in post-resected malignant metastatic melanoma. Furthermore, it suggests that primary consideration must be given to organelle-specific destruction in melanoma specifically targeting the melanosomes - the one organelle that is specific to cells of the melanocytic lineage that houses the toxic compound, melanin. We believe that using this combined knowledge may eventually lead to an effective therapeutic tool to combat this highly intractable disease.
Insights
Photodynamic therapy (PDT) shows promise as an adjuvant treatment for metastatic melanoma. Targeting melanosomes, the unique organelle in melanocytes, may enhance PDT
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Dermatology
- Photomedicine
Background:
- Metastatic malignant melanoma is a significant global health challenge with limited treatment options.
- Despite advances in chemotherapy and targeted therapies, melanoma exhibits resistance, necessitating novel therapeutic approaches.
- Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is an emerging, minimally invasive treatment modality with potential applications in oncology.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the potential of photodynamic therapy (PDT) as an adjuvant treatment for metastatic malignant melanoma.
- To explore PDT's mechanisms of action against melanoma, including effects on proliferation, cell death, autophagy, and antioxidant systems.
- To highlight the potential of targeting melanosomes, a melanoma-specific organelle, for enhanced therapeutic efficacy.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of current knowledge on PDT in melanoma treatment.
- Analysis of PDT's effects on key cellular processes relevant to melanoma eradication.
- Discussion of second-generation photosensitizers and optimized wavelengths for PDT efficacy.
Main Results:
- PDT demonstrates potential for inhibiting melanoma cell proliferation and inducing cell death.
- PDT can reduce pro-survival autophagy and decrease the melanocytic antioxidant system.
- Targeting melanosomes, the melanin-producing organelles, presents a novel strategy for PDT in melanoma.
Conclusions:
- Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is a promising candidate for adjuvant treatment in post-resected malignant metastatic melanoma.
- Organelle-specific destruction, particularly targeting melanosomes, should be a primary consideration for PDT in melanoma.
- Combining PDT with melanosome-targeting strategies may lead to effective therapeutic tools against intractable melanoma.
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