Photodynamic therapy and associated targeting methods for treatment of brain cancer
Dorota Bartusik-Aebisher1, Iga Serafin2, Klaudia Dynarowicz3
1Department of Biochemistry and General Chemistry, Medical College of the University of Rzeszów, Rzeszów, Poland.
Abstract:
Brain tumors, including glioblastoma multiforme, are currently a cause of suffering and death of tens of thousands of people worldwide. Despite advances in clinical treatment, the average patient survival time from the moment of diagnosis of glioblastoma multiforme and application of standard treatment methods such as surgical resection, radio- and chemotherapy, is less than 4 years. The continuing development of new therapeutic methods for targeting and treating brain tumors may extend life and provide greater comfort to patients. One such developing therapeutic method is photodynamic therapy. Photodynamic therapy is a progressive method of therapy used in dermatology, dentistry, ophthalmology, and has found use as an antimicrobial agent. It has also found wide application in photodiagnosis. Photodynamic therapy requires the presence of three necessary components: a clinically approved photosensitizer, oxygen and light. This paper is a review of selected literature from Pubmed and Scopus scientific databases in the field of photodynamic therapy in brain tumors with an emphasis on glioblastoma treatment.
Insights
Photodynamic therapy offers a promising new approach for treating brain tumors, including glioblastoma. This review explores its potential to improve patient outcomes and survival rates.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Biomedical Engineering
- Photomedicine
Background:
- Brain tumors, particularly glioblastoma multiforme, represent a significant global health challenge with limited survival rates.
- Current standard treatments (surgery, radiation, chemotherapy) offer survival times under 4 years for glioblastoma patients.
- Novel therapeutic strategies are crucial for improving patient prognosis and quality of life.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the current literature on photodynamic therapy (PDT) for brain tumor treatment.
- To specifically focus on the application of PDT in managing glioblastoma multiforme.
- To evaluate PDT as a potential advanced therapeutic option.
Main Methods:
- Systematic literature review of studies from PubMed and Scopus databases.
- Focus on research concerning photodynamic therapy in the context of brain tumors.
- Analysis of studies emphasizing glioblastoma treatment applications.
Main Results:
- Photodynamic therapy is a multimodal treatment requiring a photosensitizer, oxygen, and light.
- PDT has demonstrated efficacy in various medical fields, including dermatology, dentistry, and ophthalmology.
- Its application in photodiagnosis and as an antimicrobial agent is also established.
Conclusions:
- Photodynamic therapy is an emerging and progressive therapeutic method with significant potential for brain tumor treatment.
- Further research and clinical application of PDT could lead to improved survival and comfort for glioblastoma patients.
- PDT represents a promising avenue for advancing brain tumor therapy beyond conventional methods.
