Multifunctional Photosensitizer based Agents for Theranostic Approaches in Photodynamic Therapy

Abstract

Theranostic approaches of combining therapy with diagnosis, have gained importance in the field of oncology for image-guided therapy. Photodynamic Therapy (PDT) has received increased attention as a promising alternative to overcome several limitations of conventional therapies. PDT efficacy depends on selective application of various parameters like localization and concentration of PS, light dose, oxygen concentration and heterogeneity of the tumor microenvironment, which can be achieved with advanced imaging techniques. Compared to other therapies, the use of PSs in PDT offers an advantage of combining imaging along with therapy due to its selective tumor localization, activation and photophysical properties. Recent advances in PS formulations as activatable phototheranostic agents have shown promising potential for finely controlled image-guided PDT due to their propensity to specifically turning on diagnostic signals simultaneously with photodynamic effects in response to the tumor-specific stimuli. This presentation highlights the recent progress in the development of PS-based multifunctional theranostic agents for biomedical applications in multimodal imaging combined with PDT. All these advancements in designing and application of PS as theranostic agents holds a great promise for improving and personalizing cancer management, therapeutic outcomes, patient survival, and quality of life.



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Heidi Abrahamse
Laser Research Centre, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Johannesburg
South Africa

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