title: New directions in photodynamic therapy.
abstract: Photodynamic therapy (PDT), a treatment approach that makes use of a photosensitizer to generate a localized toxic species in diseased tissue, has recently become an approved treatment modality. So far, however, only a handful of photosensitizers have received regulatory approval and for a small number of diseases. This chapter outlines the major limitations of PDT and speculates on the possible improvements that are required in order to advance PDT to a front line therapy. Seven areas of improvements are discussed: drug selectivity, drug delivery, light delivery, combination therapies, pigmented tumors, other potential uses, and protocol optimization. For each area, current limitations are discussed, and further required studies are recommended.
authors.affiliation: Department of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, The Royal Military College of Canada, P.O. Box 17000, Station Forces, Kingston, Ontario, Canada K7K 7B4.
authors.forename: E F
authors.initials: EF
authors.lastname: Gudgin Dickson
authors.forename: R L
authors.initials: RL
authors.lastname: Goyan
authors.forename: R H
authors.initials: RH
authors.lastname: Pottier
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D016503:Drug Delivery Systems; D010450:Endopeptidases / Q000378:metabolism; D004789:Enzyme Activation; D006801:Humans; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000628:therapy; D010778:Photochemotherapy / Q000379:methods* / Q000639:trends*; D017319:Photosensitizing Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D011355:Prodrugs / Q000494:pharmacology
chemical_list: D017319:Photosensitizing Agents; D011355:Prodrugs; D010450:Endopeptidases