A mini-review on metal-based breakthroughs in photodynamic therapy

Abstract

This work aims to present Photodynamic Therapy (PDT) as an emerging approach for combating cancer, highlighting its effective therapeutic potential and distinctive attributes. Photodynamic therapy (PDT) stands as a groundbreaking approach in cancer treatment, rooted in Tappeiner’s revelation of oxygen-dependent photosensitizers’ impact on tumor cells under light. PDT operates by leveraging specific drugs (photosensitizers) and light wavelengths to produce Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS), culminating in targeted tumor cell elimination. This review outlines the mechanisms underlying PDT, elucidating its roles in cellular demise, vascular disruption, and triggering immunological responses against cancer cells. Notably, ongoing research concentrates on augmenting photosensitizer efficacy, with a strong focus on advancing metal complexes and nanomaterials. Transition metal coordination complexes and emerging nanomaterials like Metal-Organic Frameworks (MOFs) present promising avenues, demonstrating precise targeting, heightened ROS generation, and enhanced safety profiles within PDT. The strategic utilization of these innovations offers substantial benefits, including increased solubility, selective tumor accumulation, and optimized light absorption, heralding a transformative era in cancer care. PDT emerges as a minimally invasive, targeted therapeutic approach, with continual advancements poised to revolutionize its efficacy and safety, promising a brighter horizon for cancer treatment. This abstract encapsulates the central themes of the content, outlining the significance of PDT, its mechanisms, ongoing advancements, and the potential impact of innovative approaches involving metal complexes and nanomaterials in reshaping cancer therapy.