Targeting tumor microenvironment with photodynamic nanomedicine

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Nanomedicine
• Photochemistry

Background:

• Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is an established cancer treatment modality.
• Early photosensitizers (PS) have limitations in tumor targeting and toxicity.
• Third-generation PS, including nanomedicine, offer improved tumor delivery and reduced side effects.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review advancements in nanoparticle design for enhanced photodynamic therapy (PDT).
• To explore strategies for active targeting of photodynamic nanocarriers within the tumor microenvironment (TME).
• To discuss methods for overcoming PDT limitations such as hypoxia and improving therapeutic response.

Main Methods:

• Review of third-generation photosensitizers (PS) and nanomedicine strategies.
• Analysis of active nanoparticle targeting to intracellular organelles (mitochondria, lysosomes).
• Exploration of vascular-targeted PDT (VTP) and photoimmunotherapy approaches.

Main Results:

• Shift from passive to active nanoparticle delivery for improved PDT outcomes.
• Surface modification of nanocarriers with ligands for specific TME targeting.
• Strategies to overcome PDT-induced hypoxia and target tumor vasculature and immune cells.

Conclusions:

• Active targeting of nanomedicine offers significant improvements over passive delivery in PDT.
• Targeting intracellular organelles, tumor vasculature, and immune cells are promising strategies.
• A synergistic approach is crucial for addressing challenges like deep-seated tumors, metastasis, and relapse, leading to robust PDT responses.