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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Oct 30, 2025

An In-House-Built and Light-Emitting-Diode-Based Photodynamic Therapy Device for Enhancing Verteporfin Cytotoxicity in a 2D Cell Culture Model

An In-House-Built and Light-Emitting-Diode-Based Photodynamic Therapy Device for Enhancing Verteporfin Cytotoxicity in a 2D Cell Culture Model

Published on: January 13, 2023

Targeted Cancer Therapy Using Compounds Activated by Light.

Petra Dunkel¹, Janez Ilaš²

¹Department of Organic Chemistry, Semmelweis University, 1092 Budapest, Hungary.

|July 2, 2021

Summary

Light-activated anticancer drugs show promise for improving cancer treatment selectivity and reducing side effects. Research into photocages and photoswitches aims for potent, targeted therapies, offering hope for future clinical applications.

Keywords:

azobenzenes light-activatable materials photocages photopharmacology photoresponsive drug delivery systems photoswitches

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Last Updated: Oct 30, 2025

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Published on: January 13, 2023

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Anticancer Efficacy of Photodynamic Therapy with Lung Cancer-Targeted Nanoparticles

Anticancer Efficacy of Photodynamic Therapy with Lung Cancer-Targeted Nanoparticles

Published on: December 1, 2016

Area of Science:

Photochemistry
Medicinal Chemistry
Oncology

Background:

Cancer chemotherapy faces limitations due to modest selectivity and toxic side effects.
Novel therapeutic strategies are needed to develop more potent and selective anticancer agents.
Light-activated approaches offer a promising avenue for targeted drug delivery and activation.

Purpose of the Study:

To review the anticancer applications of light-activated compounds, specifically photocages and photoswitches.
To discuss the structural considerations in developing novel light-activatable anticancer agents.
To highlight the assays used to evaluate the efficacy of in vivo light-dependent activation.

Main Methods:

Review of experimental data on photocages and photoswitches for cancer therapy.
Analysis of structural features influencing photochemical and pharmacological properties.
Examination of in vitro and in vivo assays for assessing light-dependent activation efficacy.

Main Results:

Photocages and photoswitches are experimental light-activated approaches with potential in cancer therapy.
Development of novel compounds requires careful consideration of structural and photochemical properties.
Rigorous assays are essential to validate the in vivo performance of light-activated agents.

Conclusions:

Light-activated anticancer strategies hold immense potential for enhancing drug selectivity and efficacy.
Significant challenges remain in translating these experimental tools into clinical practice.
Ongoing research and rapid development in this field offer hope for future therapeutic advancements.