Conceptual expansion of photomedicine for spatiotemporal treatment methods

Photomedicine has evolved from basic phototherapy to a broad range of light-based technologies to achieve precise and minimally invasive therapeutic outcomes. Recent advances in light sources, photochemical reactions, and photoswitches have facilitated the development of light-activated methodologies for modulating biological processes. This review discusses the history of light therapy that leads to the emergence of a new field known as photopharmacology, mode of actions in photopharmacology such as photodynamic, photo-uncaging and photoswitchable methods, a few representative examples in photopharmacology, and a brief overview of its associated challenges. The current developments in photopharmacology hold great promise for the treatment of diseases such as cancer, with enhanced therapeutic precision, and minimal side effects. We foresee further expansion of photomedicine for novel approaches in precision medicine and healthcare, and unprecedented treatment methods.