Supramolecular approach for target transport of photodynamic anticancer agents

Abstract

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is one of the most modern methods for cancer therapy. Various types of advanced photosensitisers (PSs) have been developed for effective application in PDT. Current research has started to demonstrate the high importance of targeted PS transport and subcellular localisation for the effective destruction of tumours. Another possible approach for the improvement of PDT is the use of synergic PS for combination anticancer therapy. The implementation of a supramolecular approach is necessary for their effective design. This can be achieved through the use of PS as non-covalent complexes with suitable carriers such as human serum albumin, lectins, cyclodextrins, polysaccharides, lipoproteins, liposomes, intravenous immunoglobulins and polymeric micelles. In addition, some of these carriers have their own anticancer activity. An alternative approach can be the use of PS for the transport of other anticancer agents. Therefore, this minireview focuses on describing these supramolecular PS systems for targeted transport and combination therapy.

Keywords:

• photodynamic therapy
• photosensitisers, targeted transport
• combination therapy
• cancer

Acknowledgements

This work was supported by grants from the Ministry of Education of the Czech Republic (projects LC06077, MSM0021620806 and 1M0520) and Grant Agency of the Czech Republic projects (P303/11/1291 and 203/09/1311).