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Advanced Progress and Application of Photodynamic Therapy

A special issue of International Journal of Molecular Sciences (ISSN 1422-0067). This special issue belongs to the section "Molecular Pathology, Diagnostics, and Therapeutics".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 20 November 2024 | Viewed by 15788

Special Issue Editor


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Guest Editor
1. Servicio de Dermatología, Head of Hospitalization and Emergencies in Dermatology, Hospital Ramon y Cajal Madrid, Madrid, Spain
2. Instituto Ramón y Cajal de Investigación Sanitaria, IRYCIS, Madrid, Spain
Interests: cutaneous drug reactions; cutaneous lymphoma; dermatological emergencies; severe dermatological patient; erythroderma; cutaneous vasculitis; graft versus host disease; phototherapy; photobiology
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Special Issue Information

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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Keywords

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

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Published Papers (4 papers)

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Research

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23 pages, 8600 KiB  
Article
Enhancing Therapeutic Approaches in Glioblastoma with Pro-Oxidant Treatments and Synergistic Combinations: In Vitro Experience of Doxorubicin and Photodynamic Therapy
by Bruno Agustín Cesca, Matías Daniel Caverzan, María Julia Lamberti and Luis Exequiel Ibarra
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2024, 25(14), 7525; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms25147525 - 9 Jul 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1111
Abstract
Glioblastoma (GBM) is an aggressive brain cancer characterized by significant molecular and cellular heterogeneity, which complicates treatment efforts. Current standard therapies, including surgical resection, radiation, and temozolomide (TMZ) chemotherapy, often fail to achieve long-term remission due to tumor recurrence and resistance. A pro-oxidant [...] Read more.
Glioblastoma (GBM) is an aggressive brain cancer characterized by significant molecular and cellular heterogeneity, which complicates treatment efforts. Current standard therapies, including surgical resection, radiation, and temozolomide (TMZ) chemotherapy, often fail to achieve long-term remission due to tumor recurrence and resistance. A pro-oxidant environment is involved in glioma progression, with oxidative stress contributing to the genetic instability that leads to gliomagenesis. Evaluating pro-oxidant therapies in brain tumors is crucial due to their potential to selectively target and eradicate cancer cells by exploiting the elevated oxidative stress levels inherent in these malignant cells, thereby offering a novel and effective strategy for overcoming resistance to conventional therapies. This study investigates the therapeutic potential of doxorubicin (DOX) and photodynamic therapy (PDT) with Me-ALA, focusing on their effects on redox homeostasis. Basal ROS levels and antioxidant gene expression (NFE2L2, CAT, GSR) were quantitatively assessed across GBM cell lines, revealing significant variability probably linked to genetic differences. DOX and PDT treatments, both individually and in combination, were analyzed for their efficacy in inducing oxidative stress and cytotoxicity. An in silico analysis further explored the relationship between gene mutations and oxidative stress in GBM patients, providing insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying treatment responses. Our findings suggest that pro-oxidant therapies, such as DOX and PDT in combination, could selectively target GBM cells, highlighting a promising avenue for improving therapeutic outcomes in GBM. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Progress and Application of Photodynamic Therapy)
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Review

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33 pages, 1498 KiB  
Review
Unlocking the Power of Light on the Skin: A Comprehensive Review on Photobiomodulation
by Maria Luisa Hernández-Bule, Jorge Naharro-Rodríguez, Stefano Bacci and Montserrat Fernández-Guarino
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2024, 25(8), 4483; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms25084483 - 19 Apr 2024
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 6445
Abstract
Photobiomodulation (PBM) is a procedure that uses light to modulate cellular functions and biological processes. Over the past decades, PBM has gained considerable attention for its potential in various medical applications due to its non-invasive nature and minimal side effects. We conducted a [...] Read more.
Photobiomodulation (PBM) is a procedure that uses light to modulate cellular functions and biological processes. Over the past decades, PBM has gained considerable attention for its potential in various medical applications due to its non-invasive nature and minimal side effects. We conducted a narrative review including articles about photobiomodulation, LED light therapy or low-level laser therapy and their applications on dermatology published over the last 6 years, encompassing research studies, clinical trials, and technological developments. This review highlights the mechanisms of action underlying PBM, including the interaction with cellular chromophores and the activation of intracellular signaling pathways. The evidence from clinical trials and experimental studies to evaluate the efficacy of PBM in clinical practice is summarized with a special emphasis on dermatology. Furthermore, advancements in PBM technology, such as novel light sources and treatment protocols, are discussed in the context of optimizing therapeutic outcomes and improving patient care. This narrative review underscores the promising role of PBM as a non-invasive therapeutic approach with broad clinical applicability. Despite the need for further research to develop standard protocols, PBM holds great potential for addressing a wide range of medical conditions and enhancing patient outcomes in modern healthcare practice. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Progress and Application of Photodynamic Therapy)
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22 pages, 1997 KiB  
Review
Current Advances in Photodynamic Therapy (PDT) and the Future Potential of PDT-Combinatorial Cancer Therapies
by Niuska Alvarez and Ana Sevilla
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2024, 25(2), 1023; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms25021023 - 13 Jan 2024
Cited by 30 | Viewed by 6299
Abstract
Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is a two-stage treatment that implies the use of light energy, oxygen, and light-activated compounds (photosensitizers) to elicit cancerous and precancerous cell death after light activation (phototoxicity). The biophysical, bioengineering aspects and its combinations with other strategies are highlighted in [...] Read more.
Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is a two-stage treatment that implies the use of light energy, oxygen, and light-activated compounds (photosensitizers) to elicit cancerous and precancerous cell death after light activation (phototoxicity). The biophysical, bioengineering aspects and its combinations with other strategies are highlighted in this review, both conceptually and as they are currently applied clinically. We further explore the recent advancements of PDT with the use of nanotechnology, including quantum dots as innovative photosensitizers or energy donors as well as the combination of PDT with radiotherapy and immunotherapy as future promising cancer treatments. Finally, we emphasize the potential significance of organoids as physiologically relevant models for PDT. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Progress and Application of Photodynamic Therapy)
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20 pages, 2738 KiB  
Review
Recent Advances in the HPPH-Based Third-Generation Photodynamic Agents in Biomedical Applications
by Lixiao Fan, Zheng Jiang, Yu Xiong, Zepeng Xu, Xin Yang, Deying Gu, Mailudan Ainiwaer, Leyu Li, Jun Liu and Fei Chen
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2023, 24(24), 17404; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms242417404 - 12 Dec 2023
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1199
Abstract
Photodynamic therapy has emerged as a recognized anti-tumor treatment involving three fundamental elements: photosensitizers, light, and reactive oxygen species. Enhancing the effectiveness of photosensitizers remains the primary avenue for improving the biological therapeutic outcomes of PDT. Through three generations of development, HPPH is [...] Read more.
Photodynamic therapy has emerged as a recognized anti-tumor treatment involving three fundamental elements: photosensitizers, light, and reactive oxygen species. Enhancing the effectiveness of photosensitizers remains the primary avenue for improving the biological therapeutic outcomes of PDT. Through three generations of development, HPPH is a 2-(1-hexyloxyethyl)-2-devinyl derivative of pyropheophorbide-α, representing a second-generation photosensitizer already undergoing clinical trials for various tumors. The evolution toward third-generation photosensitizers based on HPPH involves structural modifications for multimodal applications and the combination of multifunctional compounds, leading to improved imaging localization and superior anti-tumor effects. While research into third-generation HPPH is beneficial for advancing PDT treatment, equal attention should also be directed toward the other two essential elements and personalized diagnosis and treatment methodologies. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Progress and Application of Photodynamic Therapy)
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