In vitro/in vivo cancer studies of phthalocyanines in photodynamic therapy: a review

Abstract

Cancer is a disease characterized by the uncontrolled growth and proliferation of body cells. Global Cancer Observatory (GLOBACAN) 2022 data show that around 20 million people are diagnosed with cancer annually, with approximately 9.7 million deaths. The fact that the methods used in the treatment of cancer include different side effects has led to the search for alternative methods with a new and safe effect profile. Photodynamic therapy (PDT) has emerged as a promising alternative treatment modality for various types of cancers. Central to PDT's effectiveness is the use of photosensitizers, with phthalocyanines being among the most studied due to their strong absorption in the therapeutic window and ability to generate reactive oxygen species (ROS) upon light activation. This review provides a comprehensive overview of recent in vitro and in vivo studies on phthalocyanine-based PDT, highlighting the synthesis of novel phthalocyanines and their phototoxic effects on different cancer cell lines. In this study, in vitro and in vivo studies on PDT were compiled for breast, prostate, lung, colon, gynecological, liver, and melanoma cancers using the keywords “PDT” and “phthalocyanine” from 2020 to the present.