Animal models for photodynamic therapy (PDT)
Zenildo Santos Silva1, Sandra Kalil Bussadori2, Kristianne Porta Santos Fernandes2
1Massachusetts General Hospital, Wellman Center for Photomedicine, Boston, MA 02114, U.S.A. Harvard Medical School, Department of Dermatology, Boston, MA 02114, U.S.A. Postgraduate Program in Biophotonics Applied to Health Sciences, Nove de Julho University, São Paulo, SP 02117-010, Brazil.
Bioscience Reports
|September 30, 2015
Summary
Photodynamic therapy (PDT) uses light-activated photosensitizers (PSs) to generate reactive oxygen species (ROS) for treating diseases. This review covers animal models used to explore PDT
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Sciences
- Photochemistry
- Oncology
Background:
- Photodynamic therapy (PDT) utilizes photosensitizers (PSs) and light to produce reactive oxygen species (ROS).
- ROS generated by PDT can eliminate cancer cells, pathogens, and unwanted tissues.
- While clinically approved PSs exist, extensive research employs animal models to expand PDT applications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review and categorize the diverse range of animal models utilized in photodynamic therapy research.
- To highlight the utility of these models in preclinical investigations for various diseases.
Main Methods:
- Categorization of animal models into major groups: cancer, infections, and miscellaneous.
- Description of specific cancer models: syngeneic, human tumor xenografts, carcinogen-induced, and genetically engineered.
- Inclusion of infection models (wounds, burns, etc.) and miscellaneous models (ophthalmology, dermatology, etc.).
Main Results:
- Cancer models represent the largest category, encompassing various tumor types and host conditions.
- Infection models cover a broad spectrum of pathogens and anatomical sites.
- Miscellaneous models demonstrate PDT's potential in ophthalmology, atherosclerosis, and wound healing.
Conclusions:
- Animal models are crucial for advancing photodynamic therapy research and paving the way for new clinical approvals.
- The reviewed models provide valuable platforms for studying PDT efficacy and mechanisms across different disease areas.
- Continued investigation using these animal models is essential for the future clinical translation of PDT.
