Head–neck cancers as a group have the 7th highest rate of incidence worldwide. The most often diagnosed disease of the head and neck is squamous cell carcinoma (90% of cases). Another specific group of tumors is brain tumors. These can be divided into primary tumors and secondary tumors associated with metastasis. Research shows that treating head and neck cancers continues to be problematic and challenging, and researchers are actively seeking new treatments that would improve survival rates and reduce side effects. Irradiation of tumor tissue with the optimal wavelength of light in photodynamic therapy (PDT) generates predominantly singlet oxygen in tissue-based photosensitizers (PSs) or reactive oxygen radicals in the case of vascular PSs leading to cellular apoptosis and necrosis. A very important feature of PDT is that cells cannot become immune to the effects of singlet oxygen or reactive oxygen radicals. However, photosensitizer (PS) transport is influenced by the specific structures of cancer tumors and the concentration of PS decreases in cells far from the vessel lumen. Therefore, PSs may not reach tumor interiors, which decreases therapy effectiveness. The use of drug carriers and 3rd generation PSs that contain biocompatible functional groups makes it possible to control transport. This review of the current literature on PDT was conducted through databases such as PubMed and Scopus. The types of publications considered included clinical studies and most of the articles included were published in English. Based on the publications collected, we conclude that researchers have demonstrated the potential of PDT as a therapeutic platform for head, neck, and brain diseases.

Introduction and aim. "Valeriana officinalis" has been recognized in traditional medicine and used since ancient times for a variety of health ailments. It is mainly appreciated for its sedative and sleeping properties. Currently, scientists are conducting numerous studies on the exact chemical composition of valerian and the properties they carry in the human body. Material and methods. This paper presents a narrative review on valerian. Analysis of the literature. The desire to summarize information on the uses and properties of V. officinalis is presented. V. officinalis exhibits sedative, sleep-inducing and antidepressant properties. Studies show broad effects on the human nervous system, for example, reducing stress. Conclusion. By discovering new properties of valerian, its properties are expanding significantly day by day. Its main use is primarily in the treatment of sleep disorders and nervous system disorders. However, it is also used in headaches, depression, anti-cancer therapy, urinary and digestive disorders. More and more people are turning to valerian as an alternative to drugs that have more side effects.