David Aebisher

The Use of Photodynamic Therapy in the Treatment of Endometrial Cancer—A Review of the Literature

Endometrial cancer is the most common malignant tumor of the female reproductive system. It develops in the mucous membrane lining the inside of the uterine body—the endometrium, through the abnormal and continuous growth of cancer cells originating from the uterine mucosa. In recent years, there has been a significant increase in the number of cases in European countries. Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is an innovative and dynamically developing medical procedure, useful in the treatment of cancer and non-cancer tissue conditions. The PDT reaction involves the activation of a photosensitizing substance with visible light, which in turn leads to the formation of free oxygen radicals, which contribute to the destruction of the cell. PDT is minimally invasive, has few side effects, and preserves organ anatomy and function. Both diagnostics and photodynamic therapy as modern methods of treatment are becoming more and more popular in many research units around the world. They are most often practiced and tested in in vitro experimental conditions. In clinical practice, the use of PDT is rare. Comprehensive cooperation between scientists contributes to taking steps towards obtaining new, synthetic photosensitizers, directing their physicochemical properties, and showing the impact on a given organism. This review examines the evidence for the potential and usefulness of PDT in the treatment of endometrial cancer. This review highlights that PDT is gaining popularity and is becoming a promising field of medical research.

Latest Nanoparticles to Modulate Hypoxic Microenvironment in Photodynamic Therapy of Cervical Cancer: A Review of In Vivo Studies

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is a promising, minimally invasive treatment for cervical cancer, but its efficacy is significantly limited by hypoxia—oxygen deficiency in the tumour microenvironment. The aim of this study was to present strategies to counteract hypoxia in PDT using the latest nanotechnologies. Based on a review of the literature available in PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus, and Web of Science databases, covering the period from January 2024 to March 2025, nine original in vivo studies were identified that investigated the use of nanoparticle-based strategies to overcome hypoxia and enhance the efficacy of PDT in cervical cancer. A variety of approaches to improve tumour oxygenation are described, including the catalytic decomposition of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) with manganese oxide (MnO2), the use of bimetallic nanozymes (e.g., Au2Pt), and FeOOH structures and oxygen storage and control systems (e.g., endoperoxides). Strategies to reduce oxygen consumption by cancer cells, such as nitric oxide (NO) release or inhibition of mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation, are also discussed. The review shows that appropriately designed nanoparticles can effectively counteract hypoxia, enhancing the efficacy of PDT by intensifying reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation and modulating HIF-1α factor expression. The strategies presented here have the potential to significantly improve the efficacy of photodynamic therapy in the treatment of cervical cancer, especially under conditions of limited oxygen availability.