Title:Nanocarriers for Photodynamic Therapy Intended to Cutaneous Tumors
Volume: 22
Issue: 10
Author(s): Maria B.R. Pierre*
Affiliation:
- Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ)- Faculdade de Farmacia- Av, Brigadeiro Trompowsky, s/n. CEP Rio de Janeiro - RJ, 21941-901,Brazil
Keywords:
Photodynamic Therapy, skin cancers, nanotechnology, topical delivery, nanocarriers, photosensitizers.
Abstract: Photodynamic Therapy (PDT) is a therapeutic modality used for several malignant and
premalignant skin disorders, including Bowen's disease skin cancers and Superficial Basal Cell Carcinoma
(BCC). Several photosensitizers (PSs) have been explored for tumor destruction of skin
cancers, after their activation by a light source of appropriate wavelength. Topical release of PSs
avoids prolonged photosensitization reactions associated with systemic administration; however,
its clinical usefulness is influenced by its poor tissue penetration and the stability of the active
agent. Nanotechnology-based drug delivery systems are promising tool to enhance the efficiency
for PDT of cancer. This review focuses on PSs encapsulated in nanocarriers explored for PDT of
skin tumors.