Revolutionizing cancer treatment: nanotechnology-enabled photodynamic therapy and immunotherapy with advanced photosensitizers

Front Immunol. 2023 Oct 4:14:1219785. doi: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1219785. eCollection 2023.

Abstract

Nanotechnology-enhanced photodynamic therapy (PDT) and immunotherapy are emerging as exciting cancer therapeutic methods with significant potential for improving patient outcomes. By combining these approaches, synergistic effects have been observed in preclinical studies, resulting in enhanced immune responses to cancer and the capacity to conquer the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment (TME). Despite challenges such as addressing treatment limitations and developing personalized cancer treatment strategies, the integration of nanotechnology-enabled PDT and immunotherapy, along with advanced photosensitizers (PSs), represents an exciting new avenue in cancer treatment. Continued research, development, and collaboration among researchers, clinicians, and regulatory agencies are crucial for further advancements and the successful implementation of these promising therapies, ultimately benefiting cancer patients worldwide.

Keywords: cancer treatment; immunotherapy; nanotechnology; photodynamic therapy; photosensitizer; photosensitizers.

Publication types

  • Review
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Humans
  • Immunotherapy
  • Nanotechnology / methods
  • Neoplasms* / drug therapy
  • Photochemotherapy* / methods
  • Photosensitizing Agents / therapeutic use
  • Tumor Microenvironment

Substances

  • Photosensitizing Agents

Grants and funding

This work is supported by the Sanming Project of Medicine in Shenzhen (Grant Number: SZSM202111003), Shenzhen High-level Hospital Construction Fund, the National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital Shenzhen Hospital, the Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, and Peking Union Medical College (SZ2020MS003). The funding sources had no role in the design and conduct of the study, the collection, management, analysis, and interpretation of the data, or the preparation, review, or approval of the manuscript.