Brief Report - (2025) Volume 10, Issue 1
Received: 01-Feb-2025, Manuscript No. jomp-25-162950;
Editor assigned: 03-Feb-2025, Pre QC No. P-162950;
Reviewed: 14-Feb-2025, QC No. Q-162950;
Revised: 19-Feb-2025, Manuscript No. R-162950;
Published:
26-Feb-2025
, DOI: 10.37421/2576-3857.2025.10.288
Citation: Davies, Taylor. “The Role of Photodynamic Therapy in Modern Oncology.” J Oncol Med & Pract 10 (2025): 288.
Copyright: © 2025 Davies T. This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution and reproduction in any medium, provided the original author and source are credited.
Photodynamic Therapy (PDT) has emerged as a promising and innovative treatment modality in modern oncology, offering a unique approach to cancer therapy. This technique, which combines the use of light-sensitive compounds and specific wavelengths of light to target and treat cancer cells, has shown remarkable potential in the management of various malignancies. PDT is distinct in that it selectively targets cancerous tissues while minimizing damage to surrounding healthy tissues, making it an attractive alternative or adjunct to traditional cancer treatments like surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation.
At the core of PDT is the use of photosensitizing agents chemical compounds that, when exposed to a specific wavelength of light, undergo a photochemical reaction. This reaction leads to the generation of Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS), such as singlet oxygen and free radicals, which can cause significant damage to the cellular components of the cancerous tissue, including lipids, proteins, and nucleic acids. This damage triggers cellular apoptosis (programmed cell death), necrosis (uncontrolled cell death), and immune system activation, all of which contribute to the destruction of the tumor. PDT is highly localized, as the photosensitizer typically accumulates in the tumor cells more than in surrounding normal tissue, thus ensuring targeted treatment.
PDT has been investigated for its application in a wide range of cancers, including those of the skin, head and neck, lung, esophagus, and gastrointestinal tract. For skin cancer, particularly non-melanoma skin cancers such as Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC) and Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC), PDT has become an established treatment option. Its non-invasive nature makes it particularly suitable for patients with superficial or early-stage lesions. The photosensitizer used in skin cancers, such as Methyl Aminolevulinate (MAL), is applied topically to the affected area, followed by exposure to red light, which activates the compound. Clinical studies have shown that PDT for skin cancer offers favourable outcomes with minimal side effects, making it an attractive option for dermatological oncology [1].
Beyond skin cancers, PDT is also being explored in the treatment of cancers of the head and neck, such as oral and oropharyngeal cancers, as well as lung cancers. In these cases, the photosensitizer is often administered intravenously, where it circulates through the body and accumulates in the tumor tissue. Once light is directed onto the tumor site, the therapeutic effect is initiated. One of the major advantages of PDT in these cancers is its ability to target superficial tumors and lesions that may be difficult to reach through surgery or radiation therapy. Moreover, PDT has been shown to be effective in treating pre-cancerous lesions and residual cancer cells following resection, making it an important adjuvant therapy [2].
The mechanism of action of PDT in oncology extends beyond direct cytotoxicity. PDT also has the potential to stimulate the immune system, further enhancing its anti-tumor effects. The production of ROS not only damages the tumor cells but also induces the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines and other immune-modulatory factors. This immune response can result in the recruitment of immune cells such as dendritic cells, macrophages, and cytotoxic T lymphocytes, which further contribute to the eradication of the tumor. The ability of PDT to stimulate an immune response offers the possibility of achieving long-lasting immunity, potentially preventing tumor recurrence [3].
However, PDT is not without its challenges and limitations. One of the primary concerns is the depth of penetration of light, as the light required to activate the photosensitizer can only penetrate tissues to a limited depth, typically no more than a few millimetres. This restricts the use of PDT to the treatment of superficial or early-stage tumors. For deeper-seated tumors, efforts are underway to develop new photosensitizers with enhanced tissue penetration properties and to improve light delivery systems, such as fiberoptic devices and laser technologies, to enable deeper tissue activation. Additionally, PDT is highly dependent on the tumour’s ability to accumulate the photosensitizer, which can vary depending on the type of tumor and the delivery method used. Tumors with poor blood supply or those that are heterogeneous in nature may not take up sufficient amounts of the photosensitizer, limiting the effectiveness of PDT [4,5].
Another limitation is the photosensitivity induced by PDT. After treatment, patients may experience increased sensitivity to light, requiring precautions to be taken in the days or weeks following therapy. This side effect can be particularly challenging in patients who undergo multiple PDT sessions or who have large areas of their body treated. The photosensitizer can also cause skin irritation, erythema, and swelling at the treatment site, although these effects are generally transient. Moreover, PDT may not be effective in tumors that are resistant to the oxidative stress induced by ROS. Resistance mechanisms, such as the overexpression of antioxidant enzymes, may diminish the therapeutic efficacy of PDT in certain tumor types.
Despite these challenges, the potential of PDT in oncology is vast, and ongoing research continues to explore its role in cancer treatment. Advances in technology have led to the development of new light delivery systems, including endoscopes and intraoperative devices, which allow for more precise targeting of tumors and enhance the effectiveness of PDT. Researchers are also investigating the use of combination therapies, in which PDT is used in conjunction with other treatment modalities such as chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and radiation therapy. These combination approaches hold promise in improving the overall therapeutic response and overcoming some of the limitations of PDT when used as a standalone treatment.
In conclusion, photodynamic therapy represents a significant advancement in cancer treatment, offering an effective and minimally invasive option for a variety of cancer types. Its ability to selectively target cancer cells with minimal damage to surrounding tissues, coupled with its potential to stimulate the immune system, makes PDT an attractive alternative or adjunct to traditional therapies. While challenges remain in terms of light penetration, photosensitivity, and resistance mechanisms, ongoing research and technological advancements hold promise for overcoming these limitations. As our understanding of PDT deepens and new photosensitizers and light delivery systems are developed, this innovative therapy is poised to play an increasingly important role in the future of cancer treatment.
None.
No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.
Journal of Oncology Medicine & Practice received 142 citations as per Google Scholar report
