Tumor Microenvironment-Modulated Self-illuminating Photodynamic Therapy: A Promising Tool for Deep-Seated and...

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Engineering
• Oncology
• Photochemistry

Background:

• Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is effective for superficial tumors but limited by light penetration depth.
• Deep-seated tumors and metastases remain challenging for conventional PDT.
• Internal light sources offer a promising alternative to overcome these limitations.

Purpose of the Study:

• To provide a comprehensive review of self-illuminating photodynamic therapy (PDT) technologies.
• To analyze recent advancements in internal light sources for PDT.
• To discuss challenges and future directions for self-illuminating PDT.

Main Methods:

• Review of contemporary literature on self-illuminating PDT.
• Focus on energy transfer mechanisms: resonance energy transfer, chemically induced electron exchange luminescence, and Cherenkov radiation energy transfer.
• Critical analysis of successful self-illuminating platforms compared to conventional PDT.

Main Results:

• Self-illuminating PDT utilizes oxidative chemical or radiological excitation for internal light generation.
• Various energy transfer mechanisms facilitate excitation of photosensitizers.
• Recent advancements show potential for treating deep-seated and metastatic tumors.

Conclusions:

• Self-illuminating PDT presents a viable strategy to overcome light penetration limitations in conventional PDT.
• Further research into innovative internal light sources is crucial for expanding PDT applications.
• This technology holds promise for more effective treatment of deep-seated and metastatic cancers.