An Update on Photodynamic Therapy of Psoriasis—Current Strategies and Nanotechnology as a Future Perspective

Abstract

Psoriasis (PS) is an immune-mediated skin disease with substantial negative effects on patient quality of life. Despite significant progress in the development of novel treatment options over the past few decades, a high percentage of patients with psoriasis remain undertreated and require new medications with superior long-term efficacy and safety. One of the most promising treatment options against psoriatic lesions is a form of phototherapy known as photodynamic therapy (PDT), which involves either the systemic or local application of a cell-targeting photosensitizing compound, followed by selective illumination of the lesion with visible light. However, the effectiveness of clinically incorporated photosensitizers in psoriasis treatment is limited, and adverse effects such as pain or burning sensations are frequently reported. In this study, we performed a literature review and attempted to provide a pooled estimate of the efficacy and short-term safety of targeted PDT in the treatment of psoriasis. Despite some encouraging results, PDT remains clinically underutilized. This highlights the need for further studies that will aim to evaluate the efficacy of a wider spectrum of photosensitizers and the potential of nanotechnology in psoriasis treatment.

Combinations of Photodynamic Therapy with Other Minimally Invasive Therapeutic Technologies against Cancer and Microbial Infections

“…An accumulation of plaque in the inner lining causes atherosclerosis as a thickening or hardening of the arteries [ 86 ]. Fast-growing skin cells cause an itchy scalp and flakes on the skin known as psoriasis [ 87 ]. The recent emergence of viral pandemics, such as the recent pandemic caused by COVD-19, has triggered an avalanche of interest in antiviral PDT [ 88 ].…”

Recent Innovations of Mesoporous Silica Nanoparticles Combined with Photodynamic Therapy for Improving Cancer Treatment

“…Because of its efficacy and cost-effectiveness, photodynamic therapy seems to be an attractive option for cancer treatment [ 28 ]. It has been investigated for more than 25 years as an untraditional treatment process for cancer [ 3 ].…”

“…It has been investigated for more than 25 years as an untraditional treatment process for cancer [ 3 ]. This technique integrates three components: a photosensitizer, a light source with an appropriate wavelength, and molecular oxygen inside the tissues [ 28 , 29 ]. These three main elements are summarized in Figure 2 .…”

“…Interestingly, some nanomaterials, such as semiconductor nanoparticles, can serve as PS carriers and, at the same time, act as reactive oxygen species (ROS) producers [ 6 , 26 ]. Among the various NPs, silica nanoparticles have been given enormous consideration due to their unique features, such as a uniform pore size and large surface area, the presence of external and internal pores, the ease of surface modification, high mechanical and thermal stability, stable aqueous dispersion, high biocompatibility and biodegradability, and a high loading capacity [ 27 , 28 ]. Herein, this review will highlight and discuss the basic principles and current challenges of using photodynamic therapy in cancer treatment and how their therapeutic significance can be improved by using silicon-based inorganic nanoparticles.…”

Quatsomes Loaded with Squaraine Dye as an Effective Photosensitizer for Photodynamic Therapy

“…Photodynamic Therapy (PDT) is a minimally invasive localized clinical treatment that has been developed to treat many diseases, including psoriasis [ 1 , 2 ] or several types of cancer [ 3 , 4 , 5 ]. PDT is based on the presence of three components: a photosensitizer (PS), light, and molecular oxygen.…”