Photodynamic Therapy Applications in Bladder Cancer

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) has emerged as a minimally invasive approach for the treatment of bladder cancer, capitalising on the local administration of a light‐activated photosensitiser followed by illumination at a specific wavelength. Upon excitation by light, the photosensitiser transfers energy to molecular oxygen, generating reactive oxygen species (ROS) such as singlet oxygen. These cytotoxic species induce direct tumour cell apoptosis or necrosis, damage to tumour vasculature and modulation of the local immune microenvironment. The confined anatomy of the bladder permits intravesical delivery of photosensitisers and precise light application, reducing systemic toxicity and sparing healthy tissue. Recent advances focus on enhancing tumour selectivity, overcoming hypoxia and improving light penetration. Strategies include development of nanocarrier systems to increase photosensitiser accumulation, incorporation of oxygen‐generating agents to mitigate hypoxia, and combination regimens integrating PDT with chemotherapy, immunotherapy or vascular‐targeted approaches. Ongoing efforts aim to translate promising preclinical findings into clinical protocols that reduce recurrence rates, minimise side effects and extend the applicability of PDT to muscle‐invasive disease.

Research from Nature Portfolio

No recent Nature Portfolio content available.

Photodynamic Therapy Applications in Bladder Cancer publication trend

The graph below shows the total number of articles in photodynamic therapy applications in bladder cancer across all publications each year (not limited to Nature Index journals).

Technical terms

Photodynamic therapy (PDT): A treatment modality that uses light‐activated compounds to generate cytotoxic species and destroy cancerous tissue.

Photosensitiser: A molecule that, upon absorption of light, transfers energy to oxygen to produce reactive oxygen species.

Reactive oxygen species (ROS): Highly reactive oxygen‐derived molecules that can induce cellular damage and death.

Hypoxia: A condition of reduced oxygen concentration in tumour tissue that can limit the effectiveness of oxygen‐dependent therapies.

Ferroptosis: A regulated, iron‐dependent form of cell death characterised by accumulation of lipid peroxides.

References

1. Photodynamic Therapy: Current Trends and Potential Future Role in the Treatment of Bladder Cancer. International Journal of Molecular Sciences (2024).
2. O2-generating MnO2 nanoparticles for enhanced photodynamic therapy of bladder cancer by ameliorating hypoxia. Theranostics (2018).
3. Iron oxide@chlorophyll clustered nanoparticles eliminate bladder cancer by photodynamic immunotherapy-initiated ferroptosis and immunostimulation. Journal of Nanobiotechnology (2022).