Photodynamic Therapy in Cancer Treatment 2021

Dear Colleagues,

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is a clinically approved treatment for oncologic and non-oncologic diseases based on the interaction of a photosensitizing dye (PS), light and dioxygen. Through this interaction, cytotoxic reactive oxygen species (ROS) are produced, which trigger a cascade of reactions that lead to the destruction of tumor cells and tumor vasculature, making PDT an effective anticancer procedure. The main advantages of PDT compared with traditional oncological therapies are due to its relatively non-invasive nature, lower systemic toxicity, relatively selective destruction of undesired cells, good cosmetic outcome and its ability to stimulate the immune system, as well as its good tolerability profile. However, PDT has also some limitations, and thus there is significant room for improvement, especially in the search for new and more efficient PS. Better PS should be rationally designed and prepared to match, as closely as possible, the properties that define the profile of the ideal PS.

Following the success of the 2020 Special Issue of “Photodynamic Therapy in Cancer Treatment” with the present edition, we are opening a forum for the presentation of the newest, most exciting results and perspectives in the PDT research field, namely, new photosensitizers, photochemical and photobiological aspects, targeting, and biological applications. We invite original research papers and comprehensive reviews covering any aspect related to the abovementioned topics. 

Dr. Carlos J. P. Monteiro
Dr. Catarina I. V. Ramos
Dr. M. Amparo F. Faustino
Guest Editors

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