About this Research Topic

Background

Photodynamic therapy is a therapeutic approach involving using a photosensitizer, activated by a light source, to generate reactive oxygen species and induce cell death. Although photodynamic therapy is effective in many types of cancer and other diseases, there are significant challenges associated with its use, including the limited depth of light penetration in tissue and skin photosensitivity. There have been many innovations in photodynamic therapy, including developing new photosensitizers with more excellent light absorption at deeper wavelengths and using advanced imaging techniques to guide therapy. Additionally, nanotechnology has allowed for the creation of more effective and cell-specific photosensitizer delivery systems. Another important innovation in photodynamic therapy is the combination of therapy with other therapeutic modalities, such as chemotherapy and immunotherapy, to enhance treatment efficacy and reduce treatment resistance.

Using more effective and cell-specific photosensitizer delivery systems utilizing nanotechnology can improve the efficacy of therapy and reduce associated side effects. Another approach could be the combination of photodynamic therapy with other therapeutic modalities, such as chemotherapy and immunotherapy, to enhance treatment efficacy and reduce treatment resistance. Therefore, a possible solution to the problem would be the search for new therapeutic approaches that can improve the depth of light penetration and increase the efficacy of photodynamic therapy.

With this Research Topic, we aim to promote a discussion forum to guide collaborators in their research and provide valuable insights for future advances in photodynamic therapy. We welcome submissions focus on, but not limited to:
- Investigation of mechanisms of action of photodynamic therapy
- Identification of new therapeutic targets
- More effective and cell-specific photosensitizer delivery systems utilizing nanotechnology
- Translational and clinical research of novel photodynamic therapeutics for cancer
- Combination of photodynamic therapy with other therapeutic modalities, such as chemotherapy and immunotherapy, to enhance cancer treatment efficacy and reduce resistance
- New therapeutic approaches that can improve the depth of light penetration and increase the efficacy of photodynamic therapy for cancer
- Efficacy and safety studies of photodynamic therapy in different types of cancer

Important Note: Manuscripts consisting solely of bioinformatics, computational analysis, or predictions of public databases which are not accompanied by validation (independent cohort or biological validation in vitro or in vivo) will not be accepted in any of the sections of Frontiers in Oncology.

Keywords: Photodynamic Therapy, Nanotechnology, Delivery systems, Combinated Therapy, Cancer Treatment, Cell-Specific Photosensitizer

Important note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.

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