Related Experiment Videos
Photodynamic therapy
T J Dougherty1, C J Gomer, B W Henderson
1Photodynamic Therapy Center, Roswell Park Cancer Institute, Buffalo, NY, USA.
Journal of the National Cancer Institute
|June 24, 1998
Summary
Photodynamic therapy uses a light-activated photosensitizing agent to destroy tumor tissues. This established cancer treatment has gained regulatory approval in multiple countries for various cancers.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Biochemistry
- Photomedicine
Background:
- Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is a treatment modality that utilizes photosensitizing agents and light to induce tumor cell death.
- Over 25 years of research, PDT has demonstrated efficacy in preclinical and clinical studies for various cancers.
Purpose of the Study:
- To provide a comprehensive review of the expanding field of photodynamic therapy.
- To discuss the mechanisms, localization, and cellular responses involved in PDT.
- To address technical aspects of light dosimetry in PDT.
Main Methods:
- Review of preclinical and clinical studies on photodynamic therapy.
- Discussion of photosensitizing agent properties, including metabolic synthesis (prodrugs) and tumor localization.
- Analysis of molecular, cellular, and tumor responses to PDT.
- Consideration of light dosimetry techniques.
Main Results:
- Photodynamic therapy involves administering a tumor-localizing photosensitizer, followed by light activation.
- This process triggers photochemical and photobiologic events leading to irreversible photodamage in tumor tissues.
- Regulatory approval for PDT using Photofrin has been obtained in several countries since 1993 for lung, digestive, and genitourinary tract cancers.
Conclusions:
- Photodynamic therapy is an established and expanding treatment approach for certain cancers.
- Understanding the mechanisms of photosensitizer localization and tumor response is crucial for effective PDT.
- Further research and technical considerations, such as light dosimetry, are important for optimizing PDT outcomes.