Macromolecular Nano-Assemblies for Enhancing the Effect of Oxygen-Dependent Photodynamic Therapy Against Hypoxic Tumors

Chemistry. 2024 Aug 1;30(43):e202401700. doi: 10.1002/chem.202401700. Epub 2024 Jul 11.

Abstract

In oxygen (O2)-dependent photodynamic therapy (PDT), photosensitizers absorb light energy, which is then transferred to ambient O2 and subsequently generates cytotoxic singlet oxygen (1O2). Therefore, the availability of O2 and the utilization efficiency of generated 1O2 are two significant factors that influence the effectiveness of PDT. However, tumor microenvironments (TMEs) characterized by hypoxia and limited utilization efficiency of 1O2 resulting from its short half-life and short diffusion distance significantly restrict the applicability of PDT for hypoxic tumors. To address these challenges, numerous macromolecular nano-assemblies (MNAs) have been designed to relieve hypoxia, utilize hypoxia or enhance the utilization efficiency of 1O2. Herein, we provide a comprehensive review on recent advancements achieved with MNAs in enhancing the effectiveness of O2-dependent PDT against hypoxic tumors.

Keywords: Hypoxic tumors; Macromolecule; Nanostructures; O2-dependent photodynamic therapy; Self-assembly.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Humans
  • Macromolecular Substances / chemistry
  • Macromolecular Substances / pharmacology
  • Nanoparticles / chemistry
  • Nanostructures / chemistry
  • Neoplasms* / drug therapy
  • Oxygen* / chemistry
  • Photochemotherapy*
  • Photosensitizing Agents* / chemistry
  • Photosensitizing Agents* / pharmacology
  • Photosensitizing Agents* / therapeutic use
  • Singlet Oxygen* / chemistry
  • Singlet Oxygen* / metabolism
  • Tumor Hypoxia / drug effects
  • Tumor Microenvironment* / drug effects

Substances

  • Photosensitizing Agents
  • Oxygen
  • Singlet Oxygen
  • Macromolecular Substances