Recent advances in nanomedicine for photodynamic therapy of cancer

Yamin Yang, Hongjun Wang

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingChapterpeer-review

Abstract

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) with minimal invasion has emerged as one of the important therapeutic modalities for cancer, which combines the use of low energy light with a photosensitizer. Despite its multifaceted advantages, PDT has not yet become the mainstream of cancer intervention mainly due to its insufficient therapeutic efficacy, low selectivity of currently available photosensitizers, and limited light penetration for deep tumor tissues. Recognition of these challenges has greatly motivated the efforts in adopting nanotechnology for improving the design and delivery of photosensitizer, increasing the intensity of photodynamic reaction, and enhancing light penetration and absorption. A variety of nanomaterials have been employed in PDT, serving as either passive carriers or active participants. This review will discuss about the state-of-art approaches and future perspectives of the applications of nanomaterials in PDT.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationPhotodynamic Therapy
Subtitle of host publicationFundamentals, Applications and Health Outcomes
Pages33-58
Number of pages26
ISBN (Electronic)9781634638883
StatePublished - 1 Jan 2015

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