Enhancement of anti-tumor immunity by photodynamic therapy

Immunol Res. 2010 Mar;46(1-3):216-26. doi: 10.1007/s12026-009-8119-4.

Abstract

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is an FDA-approved modality that rapidly eliminates local tumors, resulting in cure of early disease and palliation of advanced disease. PDT was originally considered to be a local treatment; however, both pre-clinical and clinical studies have shown that local PDT treatment of tumors can enhance systemic anti-tumor immunity. The current state of investigations into the ability of PDT to enhance anti-tumor immunity, the mechanisms behind this enhancement and the future of PDT as an immunotherapy are addressed in this review.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Cancer Vaccines / immunology
  • Humans
  • Immunity, Cellular / drug effects
  • Immunity, Cellular / immunology
  • Neoplasms / drug therapy*
  • Neoplasms / immunology*
  • Photochemotherapy*

Substances

  • Cancer Vaccines