Photodynamic therapy meets nanotechnology: A synergistic approach for cancer treatment

Over the years, significant progress has been made in treating fatal diseases, but cancer treatment is still a challenge. Photodynamic therapy, is a treatment that relies on photosensitization to target and destroy neoplastic cells. It has gained recognition as an effective treatment approach because of its precision, minimally invasive nature, and ability to stimulate the immune system, with applications spanning various medical fields such as oncology, dermatology, immunology, and ophthalmology. It works by activating a photosensitizing agent with a particular wavelength in the presence of oxygen, generating reactive oxygen species that trigger cell death. This oxygen-dependent treatment selectively targets cancer cells while minimizing adverse effects on healthy tissues, making it a promising approach in modern medicine. However, despite its therapeutic potential, PDT has limitations such as restricted light penetration and insufficient cellular uptake of photosensitizers by cancer cells. These challenges can be addressed through nanotechnology by optimizing photosensitizer formulations and modifying therapeutic strategies to enhance treatment efficacy. The incorporation of nanotechnology into photodynamic therapy has been particularly impactful, with nanomaterials serving as efficient carriers as well as photosensitizers. Engineered nanoparticles enable the direct delivery of therapeutic agents to tumors, enhancing specificity while minimizing side effects. This combined approach of photodynamic therapy-nanotechnology allows for effective treatment of different types of cancers, including resistant tumors and one's which are hard-to-reach, by targeting specific cell markers and improving drug accumulation in various tumor environments. This review aims to highlight the importance of the use of nanotechnology in photodynamic therapy to treat various types of cancer in achieving desirable therapeutic effects.