Research Progress on Photosensitizers and Photodynamic Therapy
A special issue of International Journal of Molecular Sciences (ISSN 1422-0067). This special issue belongs to the section "Biochemistry".
Deadline for manuscript submissions: 30 November 2025 | Viewed by 19
Special Issue Editor
2. Jiaxing Key Laboratory for Photonanomedicine and Experimental Therapeutics, Department of Pharmaceutics, College of Medicine, Jiaxing University, Jiaxing 314041, China
Interests: molecular oncology; photodynamic therapy; chemotherapy; photosensitization; surgery; gastroenterology; liver diseases; nanotechnology; medicinal chemistry; biochemistry; immunology
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Special Issue Information
Dear Colleagues,
Photodynamic therapy (PDT) has emerged as a versatile and minimally invasive modality for treating cancer and other diseases. This Special Issue of the International Journal of Molecular Sciences highlights cutting-edge developments in PDT, with a focus on the next generation of photosensitizers, mechanistic insights, and clinical applications. We invite contributions that explore novel photosensitizing agents with improved photophysical properties, tumor selectivity, and activation by near-infrared or X-ray light for deeper tissue penetration.
Recent trends include the design of smart, activatable photosensitizers; nanotechnology-based delivery systems; and combination therapies that integrate PDT with immunotherapy or chemotherapy to enhance therapeutic outcomes. Articles addressing the role of PDT in modulating the tumor microenvironment, stimulating systemic anti-tumor immunity, and overcoming hypoxia-associated resistance are particularly welcome.
This Special Issue also encourages studies investigating the molecular mechanisms underlying PDT-induced cell death, inflammation, and immune activation. Experimental and clinical studies, including in vivo models and translational research, are of high interest.
We aim to showcase innovations that advance the efficacy, safety, and scope of PDT. Submissions from multidisciplinary teams working at the interface of chemistry, biology, and medicine are especially encouraged to reflect the dynamic evolution of this field.
Prof. Dr. Michal Heger
Guest Editor
Manuscript Submission Information
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Keywords
- photodynamic therapy
- photosensitizers
- tumor microenvironment
- nanotechnology
- immunotherapy
- targeted drug delivery
- reactive oxygen species
- hypoxia
- combination therapy
- molecular mechanisms
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