New directions in photodynamic therapy.
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.
Gudgin Dickson
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EF
Department of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, The Royal Military College of Canada, P.O. Box 17000, Station Forces, Kingston, Ontario, Canada K7K 7B4.
Goyan
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RL
Pottier
R H
RH
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
D017319:Photosensitizing Agents; D011355:Prodrugs; D010450:Endopeptidases