Molecular Advances in Oncologic Photodynamic Therapy

Dear Colleagues,

Oncological photodynamic therapy is an expanding field that has produced clinical treatment modalities for cancer, especially in cases of superficially located tumors. For non-superficial tumors, PDT still suffers from several challenges that have hampered the widespread implementation of PDT in patients with deeper rooted malignancies. In this Special Issue, we would like to focus on studies that address the following challenges so as to ultimately bring PDT of non-superficial tumors closer to clinical application. First, intravenous injection of free photosensitizer molecules leads to their systemic clearance and accumulation in the skin, which reduces the extent of tumor photosensitization and results in skin phototoxicity. To this end, photonanomedicines have been developed that comprise photosensitizers packaged into targeted photosensitizer delivery systems. Studies are, therefore, welcome that describe novel photosensitizers and nanoparticulate photosensitizer delivery systems and demonstrate their rudimentary in vitro proof-of-concepts (intracellular delivery and localization, dark toxicity; PDT efficacy) and in vivo utility (toxicology, pharmacokinetics, disposition and biodistribution, and pharmacodynamics). Models and methodological approaches used to assess these outcome parameters are also eligible on the condition that these are novel, state-of-the-art, or provide unprecedented insights. Second, therapeutic efficacy relies on the degree that post-PDT survival signaling is suppressed and cell death is induced. Molecular biology studies on these phenomena and pharmacological strategies or interventions to inhibit survival pathways or induce tumor cell death will also be published. Third, the post-PDT immune response is critical in long-term tumor control and abscopal effects. Papers that shed new light on anti-tumor immune mechanisms and studies that deal with post-PDT immunomodulation to favor therapeutic outcomes (e.g., checkpoint inhibitors; vaccines) will be considered. Finally, molecular biology and bioinformatics have evidenced that PDT modifies certain pathways that are associated with a poor clinical prognosis, such as phenotypic features related to tumor cell stemness (e.g., PDT-mediated downregulation of certain CD antigens, such as CD44 and CD133). Manuscripts that address any topic in this niche will also be added to the Special Issue.

Prof. Dr. Michal Heger
Guest Editor

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