Photodynamic Therapy (3rd Edition)

A special issue of Biomedicines (ISSN 2227-9059). This special issue belongs to the section "Immunology and Immunotherapy".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 31 March 2025 | Viewed by 5613

Special Issue Editor


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Guest Editor
Research Unit of Histology and Embryology, Department of Biology, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
Interests: photobiology; photoimmunology; phototherapy; targeted therapies; photobiomodulation; wound healing; basic sciences
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Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Dedicating a volume to photodynamic therapy is of great significance because it signifies that many steps are being taken to understand the importance of such therapy. In 1903, Von Tappeiner, Director of the Pharmacology Department of the University of Munich, in collaboration with his student, Oscar Raab, demonstrated the therapeutic action of light combined with a photosensitizer and oxygen and coined the term "photodynamic action". Since that time, many studies have experimentally verified the veracity of its effectiveness in different biological structures. In medicine, the use of photodynamic therapy (PDT) is now widely documented and well codified for the treatment of oncological and non-oncological diseases such as macular degeneration of the retina and carcinoma of the esophagus and lung. In dermatology, applications for PDT include oncological diseases such as basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma; actinic and non-oncological keratoses; bacterial, fungal, viral, immunological, or inflammatory infections in the treatment of chronic wounds; and, finally, in cosmetology for photorejuvenation. PDT is based on the cytotoxic action of some hyperactive oxygen species, especially singlet oxygen but also superoxide anion and hydroxyl radicals, generated by the transfer of energy and/or electrons from a photoexcited oxygen sensitizer. Three important mechanisms are responsible for the efficacy of PDT: (1) the direct death of tumor cells or inflammation, (2) damage to tumor vessels, and (3) an immunological response associated with the stimulation of leukocytes and the release of interleukins and other cytokines, growth factors, complement components, acute-phase proteins, and other immunoregulators.

After the first and second successful editions, we are now launching a third volume. This new Special Issue continues to cover all aspects of photodynamic therapy, including the discovery of new natural and synthetic photosensitizers, biomaterials and nanotechnology, in vitro and in vivo studies, and clinical trials. With our joint collaboration, this volume will strengthen and stimulate further research.

Dr. Stefano Bacci
Guest Editor

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Keywords

  • antimicrobial photodynamic treatment
  • chronic wounds
  • inflammatory dermatoses
  • photobiology photochemistry
  • photochemotherapy
  • photosensitizing agents
  • skin cancer
  • oral mucosa

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Related Special Issue

Published Papers (5 papers)

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Research

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16 pages, 5439 KiB  
Article
Unraveling Microviscosity Changes Induced in Cancer Cells by Photodynamic Therapy with Targeted Genetically Encoded Photosensitizer
by Liubov E. Shimolina, Aleksandra E. Khlynova, Vadim V. Elagin, Pavel A. Bureev, Petr S. Sherin, Marina K. Kuimova and Marina V. Shirmanova
Biomedicines 2024, 12(11), 2550; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomedicines12112550 - 8 Nov 2024
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Abstract
Background: Despite the fundamental importance of cell membrane microviscosity, changes in this biophysical parameter of membranes during photodynamic therapy (PDT) have not been fully understood. Methods: In this work, changes in the microviscosity of membranes of live HeLa Kyoto tumor cells were studied [...] Read more.
Background: Despite the fundamental importance of cell membrane microviscosity, changes in this biophysical parameter of membranes during photodynamic therapy (PDT) have not been fully understood. Methods: In this work, changes in the microviscosity of membranes of live HeLa Kyoto tumor cells were studied during PDT with KillerRed, a genetically encoded photosensitizer, in different cellular localizations. Membrane microviscosity was visualized using fluorescence lifetime imaging microscopy (FLIM) with a viscosity-sensitive BODIPY2 rotor. Results: Depending on the localization of the phototoxic protein, different effects on membrane microviscosity were observed. With nuclear localization of KillerRed, a gradual decrease in microviscosity was detected throughout the entire observation period, while for membrane localization of KillerRed, a dramatic increase in microviscosity was observed in the first minutes after PDT, and then a significant decrease at later stages of monitoring. The obtained data on cell monolayers are in good agreement with the data obtained for 3D tumor spheroids. Conclusions: These results indicate the involvement of membrane microviscosity in the response of tumor cells to PDT, which strongly depends on the localization of reactive oxygen species attack via targeting of a genetically encoded photosensitizer. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Photodynamic Therapy (3rd Edition))
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9 pages, 232 KiB  
Article
Effect of Clinicopathological Characteristics on the Outcomes of Topical 5-Aminolevulinic Acid Photodynamic Therapy in Patients with Cervical High-Grade Squamous Intraepithelial Lesions (HSIL/CIN2): A Retrospective Cohort Study
by Yingting Wei, Jing Niu, Liying Gu, Zubei Hong, Zhouzhou Bao and Lihua Qiu
Biomedicines 2024, 12(10), 2255; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomedicines12102255 - 3 Oct 2024
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Abstract
Background: Minimally-invasive 5-aminolevulinic acid photodynamic therapy (ALA-PDT) is used for treating cervical high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions (HSIL/CIN2). The purpose of this study was to analyze the factors affecting the efficacy of ALA-PDT in the treatment of cervical HSIL/CIN2 in order to guide physicians [...] Read more.
Background: Minimally-invasive 5-aminolevulinic acid photodynamic therapy (ALA-PDT) is used for treating cervical high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions (HSIL/CIN2). The purpose of this study was to analyze the factors affecting the efficacy of ALA-PDT in the treatment of cervical HSIL/CIN2 in order to guide physicians in making appropriate treatment decisions. Methods: A retrospective study including 69 female patients with pathologically diagnosed HSIL/CIN2 was conducted. Patients were given six doses of 20% ALA-PDT at 7–14-day intervals. Cytology, HPV testing, colposcopy, and pathology were performed before treatment and at 6-month follow-up after treatment to assess efficacy. The main outcome of this study was the regression of HSIL/CIN2 and the clearance of high-risk HPV (hrHPV) infection after ALA-PDT treatment. Clinicopathological characteristics were collected to analyze the factors affecting the effectiveness of ALA-PDT treatment for HSIL/CIN2. Results: Between the successful and failed lesion regression group, there was a significant difference in sleeping disorders (p < 0.05). Between the successful and failed hrHPV clearance group, no statistically significant factors were found. With sensitivity values of 0.556 and 0.778, respectively, multivariate analysis showed that current smoking and sleeping disorders were independent prognostics of failure in lesion regression after ALA-PDT treatment. Conclusions: Smoking and sleep disorders were independent risk factors for failure in HSIL/CIN2 regression following ALA-PDT, suggesting the need for careful consideration of ALA-PDT for patients with these conditions. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Photodynamic Therapy (3rd Edition))
12 pages, 3844 KiB  
Article
Cytocidal Effects of Interstitial Photodynamic Therapy Using Talaporfin Sodium and a Semiconductor Laser in a Rat Intracerebral Glioma Model
by Yuki Saito, Shinjiro Fukami, Kenta Nagai, Emiyu Ogawa, Masahiko Kuroda, Michihiro Kohno and Jiro Akimoto
Biomedicines 2024, 12(9), 2141; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomedicines12092141 - 20 Sep 2024
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Abstract
This preclinical study was conducted to investigate the efficacy of interstitial PDT (i-PDT) for malignant gliomas arising deep within the brain, which are difficult to remove. C6 glioma cells were implanted into the basal ganglia of rats, and 3 weeks later, the second-generation [...] Read more.
This preclinical study was conducted to investigate the efficacy of interstitial PDT (i-PDT) for malignant gliomas arising deep within the brain, which are difficult to remove. C6 glioma cells were implanted into the basal ganglia of rats, and 3 weeks later, the second-generation photosensitizer talaporfin sodium (TPS) was administered intraperitoneally. Ninety minutes after administration, a prototype fine plastic optical fiber was punctured into the tumor tissue, and semiconductor laser light was irradiated into the tumor from a 2-mm cylindrical light-emitting source under various conditions. The brain was removed 24 h after the i-PDT and analyzed pathologically. The optical fiber was able to puncture the tumor center in all cases, enabling i-PDT to be performed. Histological analysis showed that tumor necrosis was induced in areas close to the light source, correlating with the irradiation energy dose, whereas apoptosis was induced at some distance from the light source. Irradiation using high energy levels resulted in tissue swelling from strong tumor necrosis, and irradiation at 75 J/cm2 was most suitable for inducing apoptosis. An experimental system of i-PDT using TPS was established using malignant glioma cells transplanted into the rat brain. Tumor cell death, which correlated with the light propagation, was induced in tumor tissue. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Photodynamic Therapy (3rd Edition))
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15 pages, 2304 KiB  
Article
Effect of 5-Aminolevulinic Acid (5-ALA) in “ALADENT” Gel Formulation and Photodynamic Therapy (PDT) against Human Oral and Pancreatic Cancers
by Domenica Lucia D’Antonio, Simona Marchetti, Pamela Pignatelli, Samia Umme, Domenico De Bellis, Paola Lanuti, Adriano Piattelli and Maria Cristina Curia
Biomedicines 2024, 12(6), 1316; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomedicines12061316 - 13 Jun 2024
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Abstract
Oral squamous-cell and pancreatic carcinomas are aggressive cancers with a poor outcome. Photodynamic therapy (PDT) consists of the use of photosensitizer-induced cell and tissue damage that is activated by exposure to visible light. PDT selectively acts on cancer cells, which have an accumulation [...] Read more.
Oral squamous-cell and pancreatic carcinomas are aggressive cancers with a poor outcome. Photodynamic therapy (PDT) consists of the use of photosensitizer-induced cell and tissue damage that is activated by exposure to visible light. PDT selectively acts on cancer cells, which have an accumulation of photosensitizer superior to that of the normal surrounding tissues. 5-aminolevulinic acid (5-ALA) induces the production of protoporphyrin IX (PpIX), an endogenous photosensitizer activated in PDT. This study aimed to test the effect of a new gel containing 5% v/v 5-ALA (ALAD-PDT) on human oral CAL-27 and pancreatic CAPAN-2 cancer cell lines. The cell lines were incubated in low concentrations of ALAD-PDT (0.05%, 0.10%, 0.20%, 0.40%, 0.75%, 1.0%) for 4 h or 8 h, and then irradiated for 7 min with 630 nm RED light. The cytotoxic effects of ALAD-PDT were measured using the MTS assay. Apoptosis, cell cycle, and ROS assays were performed using flow cytometry. PpIX accumulation was measured using a spectrofluorometer after 10 min and 24 and 48 h of treatment. The viability was extremely reduced at all concentrations, at 4 h for CAPAN-2 and at 8 h for CAL-27. ALAD-PDT induced marked apoptosis rates in both oral and pancreatic cancer cells. Elevated ROS production and appreciable levels of PpIX were detected in both cell lines. The use of ALA-PDT as a topical or intralesional therapy would permit the use of very low doses to achieve effective results and minimize side effects. ALAD-PDT has the potential to play a significant role in complex oral and pancreatic anticancer therapies. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Photodynamic Therapy (3rd Edition))
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Review

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24 pages, 2905 KiB  
Review
Potential of Resveratrol to Combine with Hydrogel for Photodynamic Therapy against Bacteria and Cancer—A Review
by Siu Kan Law, Cris Wai Ching Liu, Christy Wing Sum Tong and Dawn Ching Tung Au
Biomedicines 2024, 12(9), 2095; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomedicines12092095 - 13 Sep 2024
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Abstract
Bacterial infections and cancers are important issues in public health around the world. Currently, Western medicine is the most suitable approach when dealing with these issues. “Antibiotics” and “Corticosteroids” are the Western medicines used for bacterial infection. “Chemotherapy drugs”, “surgery”, and “radiotherapy” are [...] Read more.
Bacterial infections and cancers are important issues in public health around the world. Currently, Western medicine is the most suitable approach when dealing with these issues. “Antibiotics” and “Corticosteroids” are the Western medicines used for bacterial infection. “Chemotherapy drugs”, “surgery”, and “radiotherapy” are common techniques used to treat cancer. These are conventional treatments with many side effects. PDT is a non-invasive and effective therapy for bacterial infection and cancer diseases. Methods: Nine electronic databases, namely WanFang Data, PubMed, Science Direct, Scopus, Web of Science, Springer Link, SciFinder, and China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), were searched to conduct this literature review, without any regard to language constraints. Studies focusing on the photodynamic actions of hydrogel and Resveratrol were included that evaluated the effect of PDT against bacteria and cancer. All eligible studies were analyzed and summarized in this review. Results: Resveratrol has antibacterial and anticancer effects. It can also act as PS in PDT or adjuvant but has some limitations. This is much better when combined with a hydrogel to enhance the effectiveness of PDT in the fight against bacteria and cancer. Conclusions: Resveratrol combined with hydrogel is possible for PDT treatment in bacteria and cancer. They are compatible and reinforce each other to increase the effectiveness of PDT. However, much more work is required, such as cytotoxicity safety assessments of the human body and further enhancing the effectiveness of PDT in different environments for future investigations. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Photodynamic Therapy (3rd Edition))
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