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Updated: Jan 12, 2026
Anticancer Efficacy of Photodynamic Therapy with Lung Cancer-Targeted Nanoparticles
Published on: December 1, 2016
Photonanomedicine for Cancer: A nanotechnology-based advancement in photodynamic therapy
Nooreen Ali Nizami1, Km Rafiya1, Nazeer Hasan2
1Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, Jamia Hamdard, New Delhi 110062, India.
Abstract:
Cancer is a result of several mutations in genes in such a way that these mutations alter cell performance. Among the various therapeutic approaches for cancer, photodynamic therapy (PDT) is known to be the least invasive therapeutic technique that selectively targets the malignant cells and demonstrates cytotoxicity. This strategy utilizes a photosensitizing agent (called a photosensitizer) and produces reactive oxygen species (ROS) that cause death of cancer cells on getting exposed to light of a particular wavelength. It offers many advantages in comparison to other therapies, such as least toxicity to healthy tissues, minimal systemic effects, considerably lesser cases of long-term illness, and lack of inherent or acquired resistance mechanisms. However, there are certain limitations that hinder the effectiveness of conventional PDT, like hydrophobicity, the ability to form aggregates under specific physiological conditions, and lower production of ROS. A novel nanotechnology-based PDT approach has been developed, possessing satisfactory qualities required for an ideal PDT agent. In this article, the evolution of PDT from conventional to nanotechnology-based techniques PDT in terms of selectivity, stability, ROS production, and enhanced permeability and retention effect (EPR) was discussed, focusing on recent developments, mechanism of action, advantages, nano photosensitizers, and applications in different cancers.
Insights
Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is a minimally invasive cancer treatment. Nanotechnology enhances PDT agents, improving selectivity, stability, and reactive oxygen species (ROS) production for better cancer cell destruction.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Biotechnology
- Nanomedicine
Background:
- Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is a minimally invasive cancer treatment utilizing photosensitizers and light to generate reactive oxygen species (ROS) for cancer cell death.
- Conventional PDT faces limitations including poor hydrophilicity, aggregation, and insufficient ROS generation, hindering its clinical efficacy.
- Nanotechnology offers a promising solution to overcome these limitations, developing advanced photosensitizers for improved cancer therapy.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the evolution of photodynamic therapy (PDT) from conventional methods to nanotechnology-based approaches.
- To discuss the advancements in selectivity, stability, ROS production, and the enhanced permeability and retention (EPR) effect of nano-PDT agents.
- To highlight recent developments, mechanisms, advantages, nano-photosensitizers, and applications of nanotechnology-based PDT in various cancers.
Main Methods:
- Comparative analysis of conventional PDT versus nanotechnology-based PDT.
- Review of recent scientific literature on nano-photosensitizers and their properties.
- Discussion of the mechanism of action and therapeutic advantages of advanced PDT strategies.
Main Results:
- Nanotechnology significantly improves PDT agent characteristics, including solubility, stability, and targeted delivery.
- Nano-PDT demonstrates enhanced ROS production and improved tumor selectivity compared to conventional PDT.
- The enhanced permeability and retention (EPR) effect is leveraged by nano-PDT for improved accumulation in tumor tissues.
Conclusions:
- Nanotechnology-based PDT represents a significant advancement over conventional PDT, offering improved therapeutic outcomes.
- Nano-photosensitizers provide enhanced efficacy, reduced side effects, and overcome limitations of traditional PDT agents.
- Further research and clinical translation of nanotechnology-based PDT hold great promise for effective cancer treatment.
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