Photodynamic therapy as a promising approach for urinary tract tumors: Current evidence and future challenges

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is an advanced treatment method extensively used in oncology and other medical fields due to its ability to selectively destroy pathological cells. PDT operates through the activation of photosensitizers (PS) by light of a specific wavelength, resulting in the formation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) that cause cellular damage. PDT can be classified into three main approaches: tumor-targeted PDT, vascular-targeted PDT, and antimicrobial PDT. In oncology, PDT is predominantly used to target cancer cells while minimizing damage to healthy tissues. Additionally, PDT has shown promise in the diagnosis and treatment of bladder tumors, expanding its role in urological oncology. The mechanism of PDT in prostate cancer highlights its ability to target tumor vasculature, inducing ischemic necrosis while preserving surrounding tissues. The evolution of photosensitizers, particularly in prostate cancer, has led to second-generation compounds that offer faster, more efficient treatments with fewer side effects.