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Updated: Aug 15, 2026

An In Vitro Approach to Photodynamic Therapy
04:53

An In Vitro Approach to Photodynamic Therapy

Published on: August 17, 2018

The biology of photodynamic therapy

J V Moore1, C M West, C Whitehurst

  • 1Laser Oncology Programme, Paterson Institute for Cancer Research, Christie Hospital (NHS) Trust, Manchester, UK.

Physics in Medicine and Biology
|May 1, 1997
PubMed

Insights

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) uses light and photosensitizers to treat tissues. This review explores PDT

Area of Science:

  • Biochemistry
  • Oncology
  • Medical Imaging

Background:

  • Photodynamic therapy (PDT) involves non-toxic photosensitizing chemicals activated by visible light.
  • PDT targets subcellular, cellular, and tissue/tumour interactions.
  • The endothelium and vasculature are potential primary targets in PDT.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the interactions in photodynamic therapy (PDT).
  • To discuss the role of endothelium/vasculature as a primary target in PDT.
  • To highlight biochemical manipulation opportunities for optimizing PDT outcomes.

Main Methods:

  • Review of existing literature on photodynamic therapy (PDT).
  • Analysis of subcellular, cellular, and tissue/tumour interactions.
  • Discussion of biochemical pathways and imaging modalities.

Main Results:

  • PDT involves interactions at multiple biological levels.
  • Endothelium/vasculature may be a key target for PDT.
  • Biochemical modulation can influence PDT efficacy.
  • Tumour destruction by PDT is amenable to imaging.

Conclusions:

  • PDT is a versatile therapeutic modality with complex biological interactions.
  • Targeting endothelium/vasculature is a promising strategy in PDT.
  • Biochemical manipulation offers avenues for enhancing PDT effectiveness.
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) and Positron Emission Tomography (PET) are suitable for monitoring PDT outcomes.

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