Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 26, 2026

Therapy Testing in a Spheroid-based 3D Cell Culture Model for Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Published on: April 20, 2018
Current landscape of PDT-based combination therapy for cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma: From molecular mechanisms
Ziwei Kang1, Guorong Yan1, Guolong Zhang1
1Department of Phototherapy, Shanghai Skin Disease Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai 200443, China; Skin Cancer Center, Shanghai Skin Disease Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai 200443, China; Institute of Photomedicine, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai 200443, China.
Abstract:
Photodynamic therapy (PDT) has been extensively applied in the management of superficial cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC). However, the efficacy of PDT was limited by issues including poor tissue penetration and hypoxia. In recent years, to enhance the effectiveness of PDT in cSCC, various combination strategies have been derived. Here, we revisit the basic mechanism of PDT and summarize clinical and basic researches of PDT-based combination strategies in treating cSCC, including topical agents, systemic therapies, and physical interventions. Evidences indicate that most of these combination approaches significantly enhanced the efficacy of PDT and leveraged three primary synergistic mechanisms: enhanced photosensitizer accumulation and delivery, potentiated tumor cell death, and augmented anti-tumor immunity. Future research should focus on optimizing light dosimetry, validating combination protocols in large clinical trials, and developing more tumor-targeted photosensitizers to improve PDT's clinical outcomes.
Related Concept Videos
Combination Therapies and Personalized Medicine
The combination of the drug acetazolamide and sulforaphane is a good example of combination therapy to treat cancer. The cells in the interior of a large tumor often die due to the hypoxic and...
Reaction Mechanisms
For instance, the decomposition of ozone appears to follow a mechanism with two steps:
Molecular Compounds: Formulas and Nomenclature
Molecular Orbital Theory I
Gene Therapy
Molecular Factors Affecting Cell Division
Several proteins function as internal regulators to ensure each cell cycle stage is completed faithfully before proceeding to the next. Regulator molecules may act directly or influence the activity or production of other...

