Journal of Biomolecular Research & Therapeutics

Photo Dynamic Therapy for the Prevention of Cancer

Arlo Rosie^* Department of Biomolecules, University of London, London, UK
^*Correspondence: Arlo Rosie, Department of Biomolecules, University of London, London, UK, Email:

Received: 29-May-2023, Manuscript No. BOM-23-22358; Editor assigned: 01-Jun-2023, Pre QC No. BOM-23-22358(PQ); Reviewed: 15-Jun-2023, QC No. BOM-23-22358; Revised: 22-Jun-2023, Manuscript No. BOM-23-22358(R); Published: 30-Jun-2023, DOI: 10.35248/2167-7956.23.12.308

Description

Cancer continues to be one of the most formidable challenges in healthcare affecting millions of lives globally. Traditional cancer treatment approaches such as surgery, chemotherapy and radiation therapy have made significant strides in improving patient outcomes. However these methods often come with limitations including severe side effect lack of specificity and the potential for cancer resistance. In recent years nanotechnology has emerged as a potential frontier in cancer treatment, offering innovative solutions to address these challenges. Nanotechnology utilizes materials and devices at the Nano scale (1 to 100 nanometers) to diagnose, monitor and treat cancer in novel and targeted ways. In this comprehensive review, we will explore the various applications and advancements of nanotechnology in cancer treatment as well as the potential impact on the future of oncology. One of the key areas where nanotechnology has shown remarkable potential is in drug delivery. Conventional chemotherapy often involves systemic administration of anticancer drugs, leading to widespread distribution throughout the body and affecting healthy tissue resulting in adverse side effects. Nanoparticles can be engineered to carry therapeutic agents directly to the tumor site, exploiting the Enhanced Permeability and Retention (EPR) effect in tumor vasculature. This effect allows nanoparticles to accumulate preferentially in tumor tissues due to their leaky and disorganized blood vessels.

Nanoparticles can be functionalized to carry various payloads such as chemotherapeutic drugs, small interfering RNA (siRNA) or gene therapies improving drug efficacy while reducing systemic toxicity. Additionally the surface of nanoparticles can be modified with targeting ligands that recognize specific cancer cell markers enhancing their specificity and selectivity for tumor cells. Nanotechnology enables novel therapeutic approaches in cancer treatment such as Photo Thermal Therapy (PTT) and Photo Dynamic Therapy (PDT). In PTT, nanoparticles often composed of gold or other heat-responsive materials are delivered to the tumor site. When exposed to Near-Infrared (NIR) Light these nanoparticles absorb the light and convert it into heat leading to localized hyperthermia and tumor cell destruction. PTT offers a non-invasive and precise way to treat tumors sparing surrounding healthy tissues. Similarly PDT involves the use of photosensitizing agents which are typically delivered using Nano carriers. When exposed to specific wavelengths of light the photosensitizers generate reactive oxygen species causing localized oxidative damage and tumor cell death. PDT is particularly advantageous for treating superficial tumors and in combination with other treatment modalities. Nanotechnology has also revolutionized cancer diagnosis and monitoring. Diagnostic nanoparticles also known as contrast agents can be engineered to enhance the sensitivity and specificity of imaging techniques such as Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), Computed Tomography (CT), and Positron Emission Tomography (PET).

These nanoparticles can target specific tumor markers enabling early detection of cancer and providing real-time information about tumor progression and response to treatment. Theranostic nanoparticles can simultaneously deliver therapeutic agents while providing real-time imaging feedback on treatment efficacy. This integrated approach allows oncologists to monitor treatment response and adjust therapeutic strategies based on individual patient needs ultimately leading to improved outcomes. Drug resistance is a major challenge in cancer treatment leading to treatment failure and disease progression. Nanotechnology offers potential solutions to overcome drug resistance by delivering combination therapies or co-delivering multiple agents to target different pathways involved in drug resistance. Moreover nanoparticles can bypass efflux pumps that often mediate drug resistance allowing therapeutic agents to accumulate within the tumor cells. Nanotechnology has the potential to enhance immunotherapeutic strategies by delivering immune checkpoint inhibitors, vaccines or cytokines directly to the tumor microenvsironment. This localized delivery can amplify the immune response against the tumor while minimizing systemic side effects.