One-Stop Hydrogen Products Solution
sales@suyzekom.com
WhatsApp:+8618129995404
Blog & News
What drugs are used in photodynamic therapy?
2024-12-16 Autor:Suyzeko

What drugs are used in photodynamic therapy

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) employs photosensitizing agents to target and destroy cancer cells or abnormal tissues. The choice of drugs used in PDT may vary based on the specific condition being treated and the light source used. Here are some commonly used photosensitizers in PDT:


1. Porfimer Sodium (Photofrin): One of the first and most widely used photosensitizers, effective for treating various cancers, including lung and esophageal cancer.


2. Algenate (Foscan): Used in the treatment of head and neck cancers and certain skin cancers.


3. Levulan (5-aminolevulinic acid or ALA): Commonly used for treating actinic keratosis and certain types of superficial skin cancers. When applied topically, it is absorbed by skin cells, and the sensitizing effect is activated by blue light.


4. Methyl Aminolevulinate (MAL): Similar to ALA, this drug is often used topically for actinic keratosis and superficial basal cell carcinoma.


5. Raster (Talaporfin Sodium): Used primarily in the treatment of lung cancer and some other solid tumors. It has a favorable profile for specific applications.


6. Hexaminolevulinate (Hexvix): Used for bladder cancer detection and treatment; it enhances visualization during cystoscopy.


7. Photofrin II: A newer formulation that aims to reduce the side effects and improve the efficacy of PDT.


These photosensitizers are activated by specific wavelengths of light, typically from lasers or light-emitting diodes (LEDs), to produce reactive oxygen species that kill cancer cells. PDT is used in various applications, including oncology, dermatology, and ophthalmology.



Curcumin, as a natural compound with multiple biological activities, has been extensively studied, especially for its potential applications in photodynamic therapy (PDT). PDT is a technique that uses photosensitizers combined with specific wavelengths of light to treat tumors and certain skin conditions. The following is the mechanism of curcumin in the collocation of PDT.


1. Enhance the efficiency of photosensitizer

2. Promote apoptosis of tumor cells

3. Antioxidant protection

4. Synergistic anti-tumor effect

5. Promote healing


Arora, S., & Sharma, K. (2020). Curcumin and its derivatives as photodynamic therapy agents for cancer treatment.

Zhang, Z., et al. (2017). Curcumin enhances the photodynamic therapy effect of chlorin e6 for the treatment of liver cancer.

Siddiqui, B., et al. (2016). Curcumin in combination with photodynamic therapy enhances apoptosis of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma.

Dumont, C., et al. (2017). Curcumin: A natural product to enhance the efficacy of photodynamic therapy in the treatment of cancer.

Stojanovic, J., et al. (2019). Effects of curcumin on photodynamic therapy: Antioxidative or pro-oxidative?

Kumar, A., et al. (2020). Curcumin as a potent enhancer of photodynamic therapy in the treatment of cancer.

Copyright © Shenzhen Guangyang Zhongkang Technology Co.,Ltd (Shenzhen Suyzeko Limited)