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Photosensitive drug delivery systems for cancer therapy: Mechanisms and applications
Patrick Pan1, Darren Svirskis1, Shaun W P Rees2
1School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, The University of Auckland, Auckland 1142, New Zealand.
Abstract:
Over the past three decades, various photosensitive nanoparticles have been developed as potential therapies in human health, ranging from photodynamic therapy technologies that have already reached clinical use, to drug delivery systems that are still in the preclinical stages. Many of these systems are designed to achieve a high spatial and temporal on-demand drug release via phototriggerable mechanisms. This review examines the current clinical and experimental applications in cancer treatment of photosensitive drug release systems, including nanocarriers such as liposomes, micelles, polymeric nanoparticles, and hydrogels. We will focus on the three main physicochemical mechanisms of imparting photosensitivity to a delivery system: i) photochemical reactions (oxidation, cleavage, and polymerization), ii) photoisomerization, iii) and photothermal reactions. Photosensitive nanoparticles have a multitude of different applications including controlled drug release, resulting from physical/conformational changes in the delivery systems in response to light of specific wavelengths. Most of the recent research in these delivery systems has primarily focused on improving the efficacy and safety of cancer treatments such as photodynamic and photothermal therapy. Combinations of multiple treatment modalities using photosensitive nanoparticulate delivery systems have also garnered great interest in combating multi-drug resistant cancers due to their synergistic effects. Finally, the challenges and future potential of photosensitive drug delivery systems in biomedical applications is outlined.
Insights
Photosensitive nanoparticles offer controlled drug release for cancer therapy, utilizing light-triggered mechanisms for enhanced treatment efficacy and safety. These advanced nanocarriers show promise in overcoming drug resistance and improving patient outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Nanotechnology
- Oncology
Background:
- Photosensitive nanoparticles have emerged as key therapeutic agents over the last 30 years.
- These systems enable precise, light-activated drug delivery, crucial for advanced cancer treatments.
- Current applications span from clinical photodynamic therapy to preclinical drug delivery systems.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the clinical and experimental applications of photosensitive drug delivery systems in cancer treatment.
- To explore the physicochemical mechanisms (photochemical, photoisomerization, photothermal) behind photosensitive nanoparticles.
- To discuss the potential of these systems in combination therapies for drug-resistant cancers.
Main Methods:
- Review of current literature on photosensitive nanoparticles for cancer therapy.
- Analysis of nanocarrier types: liposomes, micelles, polymeric nanoparticles, and hydrogels.
- Categorization of photosensitivity mechanisms based on light interaction.
Main Results:
- Photosensitive nanoparticles facilitate on-demand drug release through light-induced physical or conformational changes.
- Research focuses on enhancing efficacy and safety in photodynamic and photothermal cancer therapies.
- Combination therapies using these systems demonstrate synergistic effects against multi-drug resistant cancers.
Conclusions:
- Photosensitive drug delivery systems hold significant potential for targeted cancer treatment.
- Further research is needed to address challenges and fully realize their biomedical applications.
- These nanoparticles represent a promising frontier in developing safer and more effective cancer therapies.
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