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Bioconjugate Chemistry Nov 2015Western medicine often aims to specifically treat diseased tissues or organs. However, the majority of current therapeutics failed to do so owing to their limited... (Review)
Review
Western medicine often aims to specifically treat diseased tissues or organs. However, the majority of current therapeutics failed to do so owing to their limited selectivity and the consequent "off-target" side effects. Targeted therapy aims to enhance the selectivity of therapeutic effects and reduce adverse side effects. One approach toward this goal is to utilize disease-specific ligands to guide the delivery of less-specific therapeutics, such that the therapeutic effects can be guided specifically to diseased tissues or organs. Among these ligands, aptamers, also known as chemical antibodies, have emerged over the past decades as a novel class of targeting ligands that are capable of specific binding to disease biomarkers. Compared with other types of targeting ligands, aptamers have an array of unique advantageous features, which make them promising for developing aptamer-drug conjugates (ApDCs) for targeted therapy. In this Review, we will discuss ApDCs for targeted drug delivery in chemotherapy, gene therapy, immunotherapy, photodynamic therapy, and photothermal therapy, primarily of cancer.
Topics: Animals; Antineoplastic Agents; Aptamers, Nucleotide; Drug Carriers; Drug Delivery Systems; Genetic Therapy; Humans; Immunotherapy; Models, Molecular; Neoplasms; Nucleic Acids; Photosensitizing Agents; Proteins
PubMed: 26083153
DOI: 10.1021/acs.bioconjchem.5b00291 -
Cancer Communications (London, England) Feb 2022Phototherapy and immunotherapy in combination is regarded as the ideal therapeutic modality to treat both primary and metastatic tumors. Immunotherapy uses different... (Review)
Review
Phototherapy and immunotherapy in combination is regarded as the ideal therapeutic modality to treat both primary and metastatic tumors. Immunotherapy uses different immunological approaches to stimulate the immune system to identify tumor cells for targeted elimination. Phototherapy destroys the primary tumors by light irradiation, which induces a series of immune responses through triggering immunogenic cancer cell death. Therefore, when integrating immunotherapy with phototherapy, a novel anti-cancer strategy called photoimmunotherapy (PIT) is emerging. This synergistic treatment modality can not only enhance the effectiveness of both therapies but also overcome their inherent limitations, opening a new era for the current anti-cancer therapy. Recently, the advancement of nanomaterials affords a platform for PIT. From all these nanomaterials, inorganic nanomaterials stand out as ideal mediators in PIT due to their unique physiochemical properties. Inorganic nanomaterials can not only serve as carriers to transport immunomodulatory agents in immunotherapy owing to their excellent drug-loading capacity but also function as photothermal agents or photosensitizers in phototherapy because of their great optical characteristics. In this review, the recent advances of multifunctional inorganic nanomaterial-mediated drug delivery and their contributions to cancer PIT will be highlighted.
Topics: Humans; Immunotherapy; Nanostructures; Neoplasms; Photosensitizing Agents; Phototherapy
PubMed: 35001556
DOI: 10.1002/cac2.12255 -
Science Progress 2014Metals have been considered for millennia to have medicinal values. With the advent of modern medicine, many metal-based drugs have proven to be highly effective in the... (Review)
Review
Metals have been considered for millennia to have medicinal values. With the advent of modern medicine, many metal-based drugs have proven to be highly effective in the clinic. Many different metal ions have shown activity against a range of diseases. The unique electronic structure of transition metals offers great versatility, not always seen in organic drugs, in terms of the ability to tune the properties of a given molecule. This review gives a brief overview of the most established therapeutic metals, and their more common applications, such as platinum-based anticancer drugs. New developments within the field of metallodrugs and novel strategies being employed to improve methods of delivery, are also discussed.
Topics: Antineoplastic Agents; Biological Transport; Drug Delivery Systems; Drug Design; Humans; Organometallic Compounds; Organoplatinum Compounds; Photochemotherapy; Photosensitizing Agents; Platinum
PubMed: 24800466
DOI: 10.3184/003685014X13898980185076 -
Nature Communications Sep 2023Phototherapy of deep tumors still suffers from many obstacles, such as limited near-infrared (NIR) tissue penetration depth and low accumulation efficiency within the...
Phototherapy of deep tumors still suffers from many obstacles, such as limited near-infrared (NIR) tissue penetration depth and low accumulation efficiency within the target sites. Herein, stimuli-sensitive tumor-targeted photodynamic nanoparticles (STPNs) with persistent luminescence for the treatment of deep tumors are reported. Purpurin 18 (Pu18), a porphyrin derivative, is utilized as a photosensitizer to produce persistent luminescence in STPNs, while lanthanide-doped upconversion nanoparticles (UCNPs) exhibit bioimaging properties and possess high photostability that can enhance photosensitizer efficacy. STPNs are initially stimulated by NIR irradiation before intravenous administration and accumulate at the tumor site to enter the cells through the HER2 receptor. Due to Pu18 afterglow luminescence properties, STPNs can continuously generate ROS to inhibit NFκB nuclear translocation, leading to tumor cell apoptosis. Moreover, STPNs can be used for diagnostic purposes through MRI and intraoperative NIR navigation. STPNs exceptional antitumor properties combined the advantages of UCNPs and persistent luminescence, representing a promising phototherapeutic strategy for deep tumors.
Topics: Humans; Gallbladder Neoplasms; Photosensitizing Agents; Luminescence; Carcinoma in Situ; Photochemotherapy; Nanoparticles
PubMed: 37709778
DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-41389-1 -
Indian Journal of Dental Research :... 2010Mechanical removal of the biofilm and adjunctive use of antibacterial disinfectants or various antibiotics have been conventional methods of the periodontitis therapy.... (Review)
Review
Mechanical removal of the biofilm and adjunctive use of antibacterial disinfectants or various antibiotics have been conventional methods of the periodontitis therapy. There has been an upsurge of bacterial strains becoming resistant due to the injudicious use of antibiotics, recently. As a result there is pronounced interest and keenness in the development of alternate antimicrobial concepts. As the scientific community seeks alternatives to antibiotic treatment, periodontal researchers have found that photodynamic therapy (PDT) is advantageous to suppress anaerobic bacteria. Hence, PDT could be an alternative to conventional periodontal therapeutic methods. This review elucidates the evolution and use of photo dynamic therapy. The application of photosensitizing dyes and their excitation by visible light enables effective killing of periodontopathogens. Even though PDT is still in the experimental stages of development and testing, the method may be an adjunct to conventional antibacterial measures in periodontology. PDT application has an adjunctive benefit besides mechanical treatment at sites with difficult access. Necessity for flap operations may be reduced, patient comfort may increase and treatment time decrease. Clinical follow-up studies are needed to confirm the efficacy of the procedure.
Topics: Bacteria, Anaerobic; Biofilms; Drug Resistance, Microbial; Furcation Defects; Humans; Periodontitis; Photochemotherapy; Photosensitizing Agents
PubMed: 20657102
DOI: 10.4103/0970-9290.66659 -
Molecules (Basel, Switzerland) Jan 2023Despite specialists' efforts to find the best solutions for cancer diagnosis and therapy, this pathology remains the biggest health threat in the world. Global... (Review)
Review
Despite specialists' efforts to find the best solutions for cancer diagnosis and therapy, this pathology remains the biggest health threat in the world. Global statistics concerning deaths associated with cancer are alarming; therefore, it is necessary to intensify interdisciplinary research in order to identify efficient strategies for cancer diagnosis and therapy, by using new molecules with optimal therapeutic potential and minimal adverse effects. This review focuses on studies of porphyrin macrocycles with regard to their structural and spectral profiles relevant to their applicability in efficient cancer diagnosis and therapy. Furthermore, we present a critical overview of the main commercial formulations, followed by short descriptions of some strategies approached in the development of third-generation photosensitizers.
Topics: Humans; Precision Medicine; Porphyrins; Photosensitizing Agents; Neoplasms; Photochemotherapy
PubMed: 36770816
DOI: 10.3390/molecules28031149 -
Actas Dermo-sifiliograficas Dec 2015Onychomycosis, or fungal infection of the nails, is one of the most prevalent fungal diseases in the general population. Treatment is of limited effectiveness, tedious,... (Review)
Review
Onychomycosis, or fungal infection of the nails, is one of the most prevalent fungal diseases in the general population. Treatment is of limited effectiveness, tedious, and must be administered for long periods. Furthermore, systemic antifungal agents are associated with adverse effects. Photodynamic therapy (PDT) may prove to be a viable alternative in the treatment of superficial skin infections, including onychomycosis. We review articles relating to the usefulness of PDT in onychomycosis in both in vitro and in vivo settings and discuss the potential and limitations of various photosensitizing agents. In vivo, methylene blue and 5-aminolevulinic acid have led to cure rates in 80% and 43% of cases, respectively, at 12 months. Finally, based on data in the literature and our own experience, we propose a protocol of 3 PDT sessions, separated by an interval of 1 or 2 weeks, using methyl aminolevulinate 16% as a photosensitizing agent and red light (λ=630 nm, 37 J.cm(-2)). Each session is preceded by the topical application of urea 40% over several days. Clinical trials are needed to optimize PDT protocols and to identify those patients who will benefit most from this treatment.
Topics: Aminolevulinic Acid; Antifungal Agents; Clinical Protocols; Clinical Trials as Topic; Drug Administration Schedule; Evidence-Based Medicine; Fungi; Humans; Methylene Blue; Onychomycosis; Photochemotherapy; Photosensitizing Agents; Treatment Outcome; Urea
PubMed: 26427737
DOI: 10.1016/j.ad.2015.08.005 -
Cells Jan 2023The combination of photodynamic therapy with chemotherapy (photochemotherapy, PCT) can lead to additive or synergistic antitumor effects. Usually, two different...
The combination of photodynamic therapy with chemotherapy (photochemotherapy, PCT) can lead to additive or synergistic antitumor effects. Usually, two different molecules, a photosensitizer (PS) and a chemotherapeutic drug are used in PCT. Doxorubicin is one of the most successful chemotherapy drugs. Despite its high efficacy, two factors limit its clinical use: severe side effects and the development of chemoresistance. Doxorubicin is a chromophore, able to absorb light in the visible range, making it a potential PS. Here, we exploited the intrinsic photosensitizing properties of doxorubicin to enhance its anticancer activity in leukemia, breast, and epidermoid carcinoma cells, upon irradiation. Light can selectively trigger the local generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), following photophysical pathways. Doxorubicin showed a concentration-dependent ability to generate peroxides and singlet oxygen upon irradiation. The underlying mechanisms leading to the increase in its cytotoxic activity were intracellular ROS generation and the induction of necrotic cell death. The nuclear localization of doxorubicin represents an added value for its use as a PS. The use of doxorubicin in PCT, simultaneously acting as a chemotherapeutic agent and a PS, may allow (i) an increase in the anticancer effects of the drug, and (ii) a decrease in its dose, and thus, its dose-related adverse effects.
Topics: Reactive Oxygen Species; Doxorubicin; Photochemotherapy; Antineoplastic Agents; Photosensitizing Agents
PubMed: 36766734
DOI: 10.3390/cells12030392 -
International Journal of Molecular... Nov 2023In this review, we delve into the realm of photodynamic therapy (PDT), an established method for combating cancer. The foundation of PDT lies in the activation of a... (Review)
Review
In this review, we delve into the realm of photodynamic therapy (PDT), an established method for combating cancer. The foundation of PDT lies in the activation of a photosensitizing agent using specific wavelengths of light, resulting in the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), notably singlet oxygen (O). We explore PDT's intricacies, emphasizing its precise targeting of cancer cells while sparing healthy tissue. We examine the pivotal role of singlet oxygen in initiating apoptosis and other cell death pathways, highlighting its potential for minimally invasive cancer treatment. Additionally, we delve into the complex interplay of cellular components, including catalase and NOX1, in defending cancer cells against PDT-induced oxidative and nitrative stress. We unveil an intriguing auto-amplifying mechanism involving secondary singlet oxygen production and catalase inactivation, offering promising avenues for enhancing PDT's effectiveness. In conclusion, our review unravels PDT's inner workings and underscores the importance of selective illumination and photosensitizer properties for achieving precision in cancer therapy. The exploration of cellular responses and interactions reveals opportunities for refining and optimizing PDT, which holds significant potential in the ongoing fight against cancer.
Topics: Humans; Singlet Oxygen; Photochemotherapy; Catalase; Photosensitizing Agents; Reactive Oxygen Species; Neoplasms
PubMed: 38069213
DOI: 10.3390/ijms242316890 -
International Journal of Molecular... Mar 2022Antimicrobial photodynamic therapy and allied photodynamic antimicrobial chemotherapy have shown remarkable activity against bacterial pathogens in both planktonic and... (Review)
Review
Antimicrobial photodynamic therapy and allied photodynamic antimicrobial chemotherapy have shown remarkable activity against bacterial pathogens in both planktonic and biofilm forms. There has been little or no resistance development against antimicrobial photodynamic therapy. Furthermore, recent developments in therapies that involve antimicrobial photodynamic therapy in combination with photothermal hyperthermia therapy, magnetic hyperthermia therapy, antibiotic chemotherapy and cold atmospheric pressure plasma therapy have shown additive and synergistic enhancement of its efficacy. This paper reviews applications of antimicrobial photodynamic therapy and non-invasive combination therapies often used with it, including sonodynamic therapy and nanozyme enhanced photodynamic therapy. The antimicrobial and antibiofilm mechanisms are discussed. This review proposes that these technologies have a great potential to overcome the bacterial resistance associated with bacterial biofilm formation.
Topics: Anti-Bacterial Agents; Anti-Infective Agents; Bacteria; Biofilms; Photochemotherapy; Photosensitizing Agents
PubMed: 35328629
DOI: 10.3390/ijms23063209