Advanced Progress and Application of Photodynamic Therapy

Dear Colleagues,

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is in continuous evolution. Since the first patients treated, nearly two decades ago, deep changes have been developed in clinical application. New indications, photosensitisers, light sources, and protocols have been implemented leading to a broad and versatile technology.

On the other hand, PDT is a technique which is easily “investigating” in basic science, as reproduce light sources and the biological context in which PDT is used, is feasible. Thus, numerous investigations are focused on the wide mechanism of action of PDT, with different lights and photosensitisers, plus a variety of cells cultures, tumours, or human tissue. Apart from the classical cells and markers described, as keratinocytes, fibroblast, Ki67, p53 and ROS, new insights are in progress.  New biomolecular vias which includes the tumor microenvironment, mastocytes or vascular involvement which new markers and pathways are deepening in the knowledge of the PDT.  New light protocols are in investigation, optimizing them by different ways as mathematical models, measuring the ROS produced in the treated tissue or implementing new light devices. Classical photosensitizers have been converted in new molecules, more and foremost, nanoparticles, assisted deliveries or electronic transferences.

Both situations together, have result in a quickly translational advanced without precedents, with clinicians and research going through the same direction.

The aim of this Special Issue entitled: “Advanced Progress and Application of Photodynamic Therapy” is to be open and innovative, offering new approaches which could benefit physicians and patients.

Prof. Dr. Montserrat Fernández-Guarino
Guest Editor

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• photodynamic therapy
• photobiology
• light sources
• illumination
• light emitting diodes (LED)
• laser
• photosensitizer
• methylamoninolevunlic acid
• delta aminolevulinic acid