Related Experiment Video
Updated: Oct 19, 2025
Anticancer Efficacy of Photodynamic Therapy with Lung Cancer-Targeted Nanoparticles
Published on: December 1, 2016
Overcoming the obstacles of current photodynamic therapy in tumors using nanoparticles
Donghyun Lee1, Soonmin Kwon1, Seok-Young Jang1
1Department of Medical Life Sciences, Department of Biomedicine & Health Sciences, and Catholic Photomedicine Research Institute, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, 222 Banpo-daero, Seocho-gu, Seoul, 06591, Republic of Korea.
Abstract:
Photodynamic therapy (PDT) has been applied in clinical treatment of tumors for a long time. However, insufficient supply of pivotal factors including photosensitizer (PS), light, and oxygen in tumor tissue dramatically reduces the therapeutic efficacy of PDT. Nanoparticles have received an influx of attention as drug carriers, and recent studies have demonstrated their promising potential to overcome the obstacles of PDT in tumor tissue. Physicochemical optimization for passive targeting, ligand modification for active targeting, and stimuli-responsive release achieved efficient delivery of PS to tumor tissue. Various trials using upconversion NPs, two-photon lasers, X-rays, and bioluminescence have provided clues for efficient methods of light delivery to deep tissue. Attempts have been made to overcome unfavorable tumor microenvironments via artificial oxygen generation, Fenton reaction, and combination with other chemical drugs. In this review, we introduce these creative approaches to addressing the hurdles facing PDT in tumors. In particular, the studies that have been validated in animal experiments are preferred in this review over proof-of-concept studies that were only performed in cells.
Insights
Photodynamic therapy (PDT) faces challenges with photosensitizer, light, and oxygen delivery. Nanoparticles offer solutions for efficient tumor targeting and overcoming the tumor microenvironment for improved PDT efficacy.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Nanotechnology
- Oncology
Background:
- Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is a long-standing clinical treatment for tumors.
- Insufficient photosensitizer (PS), light, and oxygen supply in tumors limits PDT efficacy.
- Nanoparticles show promise in overcoming PDT limitations in tumor tissues.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review innovative strategies for enhancing photodynamic therapy (PDT) in tumors.
- To highlight nanoparticle-based approaches for overcoming PDT challenges.
- To focus on studies validated in animal models.
Main Methods:
- Utilizing nanoparticles for passive and active targeting of PS to tumors.
- Employing stimuli-responsive release systems for efficient PS delivery.
- Investigating advanced light delivery methods (upconversion NPs, two-photon lasers, X-rays, bioluminescence).
- Exploring strategies to manage tumor microenvironments (artificial oxygen generation, Fenton reaction, drug combinations).
Main Results:
- Nanoparticle optimization enhances PS delivery to tumor sites.
- Novel light delivery techniques improve penetration in deep tissues.
- Methods for oxygen generation and microenvironment modulation show potential.
- Animal studies demonstrate the efficacy of these advanced PDT strategies.
Conclusions:
- Nanotechnology provides effective solutions for PS, light, and oxygen delivery in PDT.
- Advanced light sources and microenvironment management improve therapeutic outcomes.
- Validated animal studies support the clinical translation of these enhanced PDT approaches.
More Related Videos
09:45Photodynamic Therapy with Blended Conducting Polymer/Fullerene Nanoparticle Photosensitizers
Published on: October 28, 2015
11:04An 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