Cited by 201Photodynamic Therapy Research StudiesNanoplatforms for cancer theranosticsPhotochromic and Fluorescence Chemistry

Taking phototherapeutics from concept to clinical launch

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Vickerman, Brianna M., Zywot, Emilia M., Tarrant, Teresa K., Lawrence, David S.·2021·Nature Reviews Chemistry

Abstract

More than four decades have passed since the first example of a light-activated (caged) compound was described. In the intervening years, a large number of light-responsive derivatives have been reported, several of which have found utility under a variety of in vitro conditions using cells and tissues. Light-triggered bioactivity furnishes spatial and temporal control, and offers the possibility of precision dosing and orthogonal communication with different biomolecules. These inherent attributes of light have been advocated as advantageous for the delivery and/or activation of drugs at diseased sites for a variety of indications. However, the tissue penetrance of light is profoundly wavelength-dependent. Only recently have phototherapeutics that are photoresponsive in the optical window of tissue (600-900 nm) been described. This Review highlights these recent discoveries, along with their limitations and clinical opportunities. In addition, we describe preliminary in vivo studies of prospective phototherapeutics, with an emphasis on the path that remains to be navigated in order to translate light-activated drugs into clinically useful therapeutics. Finally, the unique attributes of phototherapeutics is highlighted by discussing several potential disease applications.

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  1. [77]Toscano, P. J. & Marzilli, L. G. in Progress in Inorganic Chemistry (ed. Lippard, S. J.) 105–204 (Wiley, 1982).

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Authors
Vickerman, B. M., Zywot, E. M., Tarrant, T. K., & Lawrence, D. S.
Affiliations
  • University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (US)
  • Duke Medical Center (US)
Corresponding author
  • Tarrant, Teresa K.
  • Lawrence, David S.
Venue
Nature Reviews Chemistry
Published
2021-10-06
Volume
5
Issue
11
Pages
816-834
ISSN
2397-3358 (ISSN-L)
OpenAlex
W3201796483
Cited by
201
References
163
Citations by year
2026: 30 · 2025: 46 · 2024: 50 · 2023: 46 · 2022: 25 · 2021: 3 · 2014: 1
FWCI
5.02
Type
journal article
Language
en
Open access
Locations
  • Nature Reviews Chemistry (publishedVersion)
  • PubMed Central (publishedVersion)
  • PubMed (publishedVersion)
Funders
  • American Heart Association (18PRE33960038)
  • Rheumatology Research Foundation
  • National Institutes of Health
  • National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (R01HL153744)
  • National Cancer Institute (T32CA071341)
Topics
  • Health Sciences › Medicine › Pulmonary and Respiratory Medicine › Photodynamic Therapy Research Studies
  • Physical Sciences › Engineering › Biomedical Engineering › Nanoplatforms for cancer theranostics
  • Physical Sciences › Materials Science › Materials Chemistry › Photochromic and Fluorescence Chemistry
Keywords
light-activated drugs, caged compounds, photoresponsive molecules, drug delivery, clinical translation, in vivo evaluation
MeSH terms
Phototherapy

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