Nanotechnology-Based Drug Delivery Systems for Photodynamic Therapy of Cancer: A Review

Author(s)

Fioramonti Calixto, Giovana Maria ^[1] ; Bernegossi, Jessica ^[1] ; de Freitas, Laura Marise ^[2] ; Fontana, Carla Raquel ^[2] ; Chorilli, Marlus ^[1]

Affiliation

^[1] Univ Estadual Paulista, UNESP, Fac Ciencias Farmaceut, Dept Farmacos & Med, Campus Araraquara, BR-14800903 Araraquara, SP - Brazil

^[2] Univ Estadual Paulista, UNESP, Fac Ciencias Farmaceut, Dept Anal Clin, Campus Araraquara, BR-14800903 Araraquara, SP - Brazil

• Document type: Review article
• Source: Molecules; v. 21, n. 3 MAR 2016.
• Web of Science Citations: 70

Abstract

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is a promising alternative approach for improved cancer treatment. In PDT, a photosensitizer (PS) is administered that can be activated by light of a specific wavelength, which causes selective damage to the tumor and its surrounding vasculature. The success of PDT is limited by the difficulty in administering photosensitizers (PSs) with low water solubility, which compromises the clinical use of several molecules. Incorporation of PSs in nanostructured drug delivery systems, such as polymeric nanoparticles (PNPs), solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs), nanostructured lipid carriers (NLCs), gold nanoparticles (AuNPs), hydrogels, liposomes, liquid crystals, dendrimers, and cyclodextrin is a potential strategy to overcome this difficulty. Additionally, nanotechnology-based drug delivery systems may improve the transcytosis of a PS across epithelial and endothelial barriers and afford the simultaneous co-delivery of two or more drugs. Based on this, the application of nanotechnology in medicine may offer numerous exciting possibilities in cancer treatment and improve the efficacy of available therapeutics. Therefore, the aim of this paper is to review nanotechnology-based drug delivery systems for photodynamic therapy of cancer. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 13/01565-1 - Mucoadhesive precursor systems of liquids crystals for buccal admnistration of antigelatinolytic peptide associated with photodynamic therapy in the treatment of oral cancer
• Grantee: Giovana Maria Fioramonti Calixto Balian
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Doctorate
• FAPESP's process: 14/24581-5 - Evaluation of the role of photodynamic therapy combined with antimicrobial peptides against bacterial resistance
• Grantee: Laura Marise de Freitas
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Doctorate