Perspectives on interstitial photodynamic therapy for malignant tumors

• Published in: Journal of biomedical optics 2021-07, Vol.26 (7), p.070604-070604
• Main Authors: Komolibus, Katarzyna, Fisher, Carl, Swartling, Johannes, Svanberg, Sune, Svanberg, Katarina, Andersson-Engels, Stefan
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Adaptability; Breast cancer; Cancer and Oncology; Cancer och onkologi; Cancer therapies; Chemotherapy; Clinical Medicine; Clinical trials; Dosimetry; Guidelines; Health services; interstitial photodynamic therapy; Klinisk medicin; Light; Lymphatic system; Medical and Health Sciences; Medicin och hälsovetenskap; Metastasis; Optimization; Patients; Photodynamic therapy; photosensitizers; Quality of life; Radiation therapy; Side effects; Solid tumors; Surgery; Tumors
• ISSN: 1083-3668; 1560-2281
• DOI: 10.1117/1.JBO.26.7.070604

Significance: Despite remarkable advances in the core modalities used in combating cancer, malignant diseases remain the second largest cause of death globally. Interstitial photodynamic therapy (IPDT) has emerged as an alternative approach for the treatment of solid tumors. Aim: The aim of our study is to outline the advancements in IPDT in recent years and provide our vision for the inclusion of IPDT in standard-of-care (SoC) treatment guidelines of specific malignant diseases. Approach: First, the SoC treatment for solid tumors is described, and the attractive properties of IPDT are presented. Second, the application of IPDT for selected types of tumors is discussed. Finally, future opportunities are considered. Results: Strong research efforts in academic, clinical, and industrial settings have led to significant improvements in the current implementation of IPDT, and these studies have demonstrated the unique advantages of this modality for the treatment of solid tumors. It is envisioned that further randomized prospective clinical trials and treatment optimization will enable a wide acceptance of IPDT in the clinical community and inclusion in SoC guidelines for well-defined clinical indications. Conclusions: The minimally invasive nature of this treatment modality combined with the relatively mild side effects makes IPDT a compelling alternative option for treatment in a number of clinical applications. The adaptability of this technique provides many opportunities to both optimize and personalize the treatment.