Manipulate tumor hypoxia for improved photodynamic therapy using nanomaterials

Eur J Med Chem. 2023 Feb 5:247:115084. doi: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2022.115084. Epub 2022 Dec 31.

Abstract

Due to its low adverse effects, minimal invasiveness, and outstanding patient compliance, photodynamic therapy (PDT) has drawn a great deal of interest, which is achieved through incomplete reduction of O2 by a photosensitizer under light illumination that produces amounts of reactive oxygen species (ROS). However, tumor hypoxia significantly hinders the therapeutic effect of PDT so that tumor cells cannot be eliminated, which results in tumor cells proliferating, invading, and metastasizing. Additionally, O2 consumption during PDT exacerbates hypoxia in tumors, leading to several adverse events after PDT treatment. In recent years, various investigations have focused on conquering or using tumor hypoxia by nanomaterials to amplify PDT efficacy, which is summarized in this review. This comprehensive review's objective is to present novel viewpoints on the advancement of oxygenation nanomaterials in this promising field, which is motivated by hypoxia-associated anti-tumor therapy.

Keywords: Nanomaterials; Photodynamic therapy; Tumor hypoxia.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Cell Line, Tumor
  • Humans
  • Hypoxia / drug therapy
  • Nanostructures*
  • Photochemotherapy* / methods
  • Photosensitizing Agents / pharmacology
  • Photosensitizing Agents / therapeutic use
  • Tumor Hypoxia

Substances

  • Photosensitizing Agents