Targeting tumor microenvironment with photodynamic nanomedicine
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Updated: Jun 16, 2025
Anticancer Efficacy of Photodynamic Therapy with Lung Cancer-Targeted Nanoparticles
Published on: December 1, 2016
Suraj Kumar Modi1,2,3, Pragyan Mohapatra4,5, Priya Bhatt4,5
1Department of Biotechnology, Bennett University, Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh, India.
Abstract:
Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is approved for the treatment of certain cancers and precancer lesions. While early Photosensitizers (PS) have found their way to the clinic, research in the last two decades has led to the development of third-generation PS, including photodynamic nanomedicine for improved tumor delivery and minimal systemic or phototoxicity. In terms of nanoparticle design for PDT, we are witnessing a shift from passive to active delivery for improved outcomes with reduced PS dosage. Tumor microenvironment (TME) comprises of a complex and dynamic landscape with myriad potential targets for photodynamic nanocarriers that are surface-modified with ligands. Herein, we review ways to improvise PDT by actively targeting nanoparticles (NPs) to intracellular organelles such as mitochondria or lysosomes and so forth, overcoming the limitations caused by PDT-induced hypoxia, disrupting the blood vascular networks in tumor tissues-vascular targeted PDT (VTP) and targeting immune cells for photoimmunotherapy. We propose that a synergistic outlook will help to address challenges such as deep-seated tumors, metastasis, or relapse and would lead to robust PDT response in patients.
Insights
Advanced photodynamic therapy (PDT) utilizes novel nanomedicine for targeted cancer treatment. This approach enhances tumor delivery and reduces side effects, improving patient outcomes.
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.
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