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Photoantimicrobials and PACT: what's in an abbreviation?

Mark Wainwright1

  • 1School of Pharmacy & Biomolecular Sciences, Liverpool John Moores University, Liverpool L3 3AF, UK. mark_wainwright@hotmail.com.

Photochemical & Photobiological Sciences : Official Journal of the European Photochemistry Association and the European Society for Photobiology
|October 27, 2018
PubMed

Insights

A distinct nomenclature for photosensitizers in oncology and infectious diseases is proposed. This clarifies terminology in photodynamic research, acknowledging shared mechanisms but differing cellular targets for specialized applications.

Area of Science:

  • Photodynamic Therapy
  • Medicinal Chemistry
  • Biomedical Research

Background:

  • Photosensitizers are utilized in both oncological and infectious disease treatments.
  • A shared mechanism involves light activation and the generation of reactive oxygen species.
  • Existing research, particularly around the 20th anniversary of "PACT", highlights a need for terminological clarity.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To propose a sensible, separate nomenclature for photosensitizers in distinct medical fields.
  • To clarify the etymological dichotomy within photodynamic research.
  • To emphasize the need for distinct photosensitizer designs based on cellular targets.

Main Methods:

  • Conceptual analysis and review of photodynamic research terminology.
  • Comparison of photosensitizer applications in oncology versus infectious diseases.
  • Discussion of design requirements for clinical selectivity.

Main Results:

  • Identifies a significant etymological dichotomy in photodynamic research nomenclature.
  • Highlights the critical differences in cellular targets between oncological and infectious disease applications.
  • Argues for distinct design strategies for photosensitizers based on their intended clinical use.

Conclusions:

  • Advocates for separate nomenclature for photosensitizers in oncology and infectious diseases.
  • Emphasizes that despite shared mechanisms (light activation, reactive oxygen species), distinct cellular targets necessitate different photosensitizer designs.
  • Calls for greater precision in terminology to improve clarity and application in clinical settings for human and veterinary medicine.

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