Light-Activated Pharmaceuticals: Mechanisms and Detection

Abstract
Photodynamic therapy relies on the interaction between light, oxygen and a photosensitizing agent. Its medical significance relates to the ability of certain agents, usually based on porphyrin or phthalocyanine structures, to localize somewhat selectively in neoplastic cells and their vasculature. Subsequent irradiation, preferably at a sufficiently high wavelength to have a significant pathway through tissues, results in a photophysical reaction whereby the excited state of the photosensitizing agent transfers energy to molecular oxygen and results in the formation of reactive oxygen species. Analogous reactive nitrogen species are also formed. These contain both  nitrogen and oxygen atoms. The net result is both direct tumor cell death and a shutdown of the  tumor vasculature. Other processes may also occur that promote the anti-tumor response but these  are outside the scope of this review.  

The review is published online in the Israel Journal of Chemistry and is free to access.