Applications of Photopharmacology in Oncology: A State-of-the-Art Review
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.30827/ars.v66i4.33781Keywords:
Photopharmacology; Antineoplastic Agents; Drug Delivery SystemsAbstract
Introduction: Photopharmacology has emerged as a key discipline for the development of highly selective targeted drugs, enabling control over their activation through specific light irradiation. Given the invasive and non-selective nature of many traditional cancer therapies, there is growing interest in this field. This review explores its most relevant applications in cancer treatment.
Method: A narrative literature review was conducted using academic databases such as PubMed, Science Direct, Wiley, and Google Scholar. Articles published in English or Spanish, with free full-text access and related to photopharmacology and oncological diseases, were included. A total of 23 articles were selected based on eligibility criteria and a critical reading of their content.
Results: The reviewed studies highlight multiple applications of photopharmacology in oncology: from light-activated systems for localized therapeutic agent release, to the design of photoactivatable prodrugs, and optical control of microtubules and nuclear receptors. These advances allow for precise spatiotemporal modulation of pharmacological action, showing promising outcomes in prostate, lung, colon, and other cancers.
Conclusions: Photopharmacology represents an innovative therapeutic approach with high potential in oncology, offering more precise, reversible, and less toxic treatments. Its clinical success will depend on the development of safer and more effective activation technologies, as well as the refinement of photoactivatable compounds.
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