Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is a promising non-invasive modality for the treatment of superficial cancers, dermatosis, macular degeneration, inflammatory disorders, and various infectious diseases. The mechanism of PDT is based on photosensitive agents mediated energy transfer between light and oxygen to produce reactive oxygen species (ROS), which are lethal to cells, bacteria, fungi, viruses, and other disease-causing organisms. Compared to conventional therapy, PDT has the advantages of rapid onset, precise controllability, lack of drug resistance, and low normal tissue toxicity. The development of PDT encompasses the discovery and optimization of new photosensitive agents with enhanced pharmacological properties, improved pharmacokinetics, and reduced side effects. Recent advancements in nano delivery systems also play an important role in enhancing the selectivity and efficiency of PDT. In addition, PDT can be combined with other therapeutic modalities, such as surgical therapy, chemotherapy, and immunotherapy, to exert synergistic effects and improve treatment outcomes.

Since emerging in the early 1900s, Photodynamic therapy (PDT) has evolved from a novel cancer treatment approach to an officially approved modality for several clinical indications, such as skin tumors, nevus flammeus, genital warts, etc. In recent years, many experimental investigations have shown that PDT also possesses boundless potential for applications in bacterial infections and inflammatory diseases. Although PDT is an effective therapeutic option for many superficial diseases, there are still some challenges associated with the limited tissue penetration of light and poor tumor-selectivity of photosensitive agents. Therefore, many innovations in PDT include the discovery and optimization of new photosensitive agents with enhanced pharmacological properties, improved pharmacokinetics, and reduced side effects. Recent advancements in nano delivery systems also play an important role in enhancing the selectivity and efficiency of PDT. In addition, PDT can be combined with other therapeutic modalities, such as surgical therapy, chemotherapy, and immunotherapy, to exert synergistic effects and improve treatment outcomes.

This research topic aims to compile cutting-edge original research and review articles that delve into the development and application of promising photosensitizing agents for photodynamic therapy. We welcome submissions focused on pharmacological evaluations of natural and synthetic photosensitive drug candidates, but not limited to:

• Global research status and trends of photosensitive agents

• Pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic optimization of photosensitive agents

• Exploration of the mechanisms behind efficient photosensitive agents by multi-integrated technology

• Investigation of new biological effects and therapeutic targets based on multi-omics

• Drug delivery systems for enhanced PDT efficacy

• Combination of PDT with other therapeutic modalities for synergistic biological effects and optimal treatment outcomes

• Innovative approaches to overcoming current limitations in PDT

• Future directions and potential applications of photosensitive agents in PDT

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Frontiers in Pharmacology

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