Nanoparticles as carriers of photosensitizers to improve photodynamic therapy in cancer

Pharm Dev Technol. 2024 Mar;29(3):221-235. doi: 10.1080/10837450.2024.2322570. Epub 2024 Mar 5.

Abstract

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) has emerged as a promising non invasive therapeutic approach for cancer treatment, offering unique advantages over conventional treatments. The combination of light activation and photosensitizing agents allows for targeted and localized destruction of cancer cells, reducing damage to surrounding healthy tissues. In recent years, the integration of nanoparticles with PDT has garnered significant attention due to their potential to enhance therapeutic outcomes. This review article aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the current state-of-the-art in utilizing nanoparticles for photodynamic therapy in cancer treatment. We summarized various nanoparticle-based approaches, their properties, and their implications in optimizing PDT efficacy, and discussed challenges and prospects in the field.

Keywords: Photodynamic therapy; cancer; nanomedicine; nanoparticles; nanotechnology; photosensitizers.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Drug Delivery Systems
  • Humans
  • Nanoparticles*
  • Neoplasms* / drug therapy
  • Photochemotherapy*
  • Photosensitizing Agents

Substances

  • Photosensitizing Agents