Photodynamic Therapy and Immunity: An Update
Riddhi Falk-Mahapatra1, Sandra O Gollnick1,2
1Department of Immunology, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, NY.
Photochemistry and Photobiology
|March 5, 2020
Summary
Photodynamic therapy (PDT) research shows its potential to boost the immune system against tumors. Early studies pioneered understanding how PDT enhances antitumor immunity, with growing interest and advancements in recent decades.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Oncology
- Photodynamic Therapy
Background:
- Early research in 2002 explored photodynamic therapy's (PDT) effects on the immune system.
- Few studies existed on the immune response's role in PDT efficacy or its ability to enhance antitumor immunity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review foundational studies on PDT and the immune system.
- To provide an update on current advances in PDT-mediated antitumor immunity.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of historical and recent studies.
- Analysis of mechanisms by which PDT enhances antitumor immunity.
Main Results:
- Initial research laid the groundwork for understanding PDT's impact on host immunity.
- Significant increase in research interest and understanding of PDT's role in enhancing antitumor immunity over decades.
Conclusions:
- PDT is increasingly recognized for its ability to enhance antitumor immunity.
- Current advances leverage PDT's immunomodulatory effects for cancer therapy.
Related Concept Videos
Tumor Immunotherapy
1.7K
Immunotherapy is a treatment that boosts or manipulates the immune system to fight diseases, including cancer. For instance, by stimulating an immune response through vaccinations against viruses that cause cancers, like hepatitis B virus and human papillomavirus, these diseases can be prevented. Nonetheless, some cancer cells can avoid the immune system due to their rapid mutation and division. The immune response to many cancers involves three phases: elimination, equilibrium, and escape.
1.7K
Cytotoxic T Cells-mediated Immune Response
6.3K
Cytotoxic T cells are a vital component of the immune system. They have the remarkable ability to identify and target antigens on infected or abnormal cells. These antigens often originate from intracellular pathogens such as viruses or abnormal proteins cancer cells produce.
Immunological surveillance is the ability of immune cells to monitor and eliminate infected cells with intracellular pathogens, neoplastically transformed cells, and cells with non-self antigens. Cytotoxic T cells and NK...
Immunological surveillance is the ability of immune cells to monitor and eliminate infected cells with intracellular pathogens, neoplastically transformed cells, and cells with non-self antigens. Cytotoxic T cells and NK...
6.3K
Cell-mediated Immune Responses
83.1K
Overview
83.1K


