Photodynamic Therapy in Head and Neck Cancers
Summary
Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is a minimally invasive modality that employs a photosensitiser, tissue oxygen and light of a specific wavelength to generate reactive oxygen species that selectively destroy malignant and premalignant cells in the head and neck region. Its principal applications include treatment of oral leukoplakia, dysplasia and early-stage oral squamous cell carcinoma, with the added benefit of preserving form and function in complex anatomical sites. Advances in light delivery systems, photosensitiser chemistry and nanoparticulate carriers have sought to overcome challenges of tissue penetration and hypoxia. Furthermore, combinations with radiotherapy, immunotherapy or targeted agents are under investigation to enhance antitumour efficacy and circumvent resistance mechanisms. Early clinical and preclinical data indicate favourable response rates, tolerability and repeatability, underscoring PDT’s global significance as a tissue-sparing option in regions with high head and neck cancer burden.
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Photodynamic Therapy in Head and Neck Cancers publication trend
The graph below shows the total number of articles in photodynamic therapy in head and neck cancers across all publications each year (not limited to Nature Index journals).
Technical terms
Photodynamic therapy: A minimally invasive treatment combining a light-activated compound, specific-wavelength illumination and tissue oxygen to generate cytotoxic reactive oxygen species.
Photosensitiser: A light-responsive molecule that, once excited by irradiation, transfers energy to oxygen to produce reactive species that induce cell death.
Reactive oxygen species: Highly reactive molecules derived from oxygen, including singlet oxygen, that cause oxidative damage to cellular components.
Mucoadhesion: The property of a formulation to adhere to mucosal surfaces, prolonging local retention and enhancing drug absorption.
References
- Evaluation of Oromucosal Natural Gum-Based Emulgels as Novel Strategy for Photodynamic Therapy of Oral Premalignant Lesions. Pharmaceutics (2023).
- Current Advances in Photodynamic Therapy (PDT) and the Future Potential of PDT-Combinatorial Cancer Therapies. International Journal of Molecular Sciences (2024).
- Photodynamic Therapy with an Association of Methylene Blue and Toluidine Blue Promoted a Synergic Effect against Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma. Cancers (2023).
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