An insight on the role of photosensitizer nanocarriers for Photodynamic Therapy

An Acad Bras Cienc. 2018;90(1 Suppl 2):1101-1130. doi: 10.1590/0001-3765201720170800.

Abstract

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is a modality of cancer treatment in which tumor cells are destroyed by reactive oxygen species (ROS) produced by photosensitizers following its activation with visible or near infrared light. The PDT success is dependent on different factors namely on the efficiency of the photosensitizer deliver and targeting ability. In this review a special attention will be given to the role of some drug delivery systems to improve the efficiency of tetrapyrrolic photosensitizers to this type of treatment.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Drug Delivery Systems
  • Humans
  • Nanoparticles / administration & dosage*
  • Nanoparticles / chemistry
  • Neoplasms / drug therapy*
  • Photochemotherapy*
  • Photosensitizing Agents / administration & dosage*
  • Photosensitizing Agents / chemistry
  • Reactive Oxygen Species

Substances

  • Photosensitizing Agents
  • Reactive Oxygen Species