Strategies for Improving Photodynamic Therapy Through Pharmacological Modulation of the Immediate Early Stress Response

on behalf of the Photodynamic Therapy Study Group

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingChapterAcademicpeer-review

1 Citation (Scopus)

Abstract

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is a minimally to noninvasive treatment modality that has emerged as a promising alternative to conventional cancer treatments. PDT induces hyperoxidative stress and disrupts cellular homeostasis in photosensitized cancer cells, resulting in cell death and ultimately removal of the tumor. However, various survival pathways can be activated in sublethally afflicted cancer cells following PDT. The acute stress response is one of the known survival pathways in PDT, which is activated by reactive oxygen species and signals via ASK-1 (directly) or via TNFR (indirectly). The acute stress response can activate various other survival pathways that may entail antioxidant, pro-inflammatory, angiogenic, and proteotoxic stress responses that culminate in the cancer cell’s ability to cope with redox stress and oxidative damage. This review provides an overview of the immediate early stress response in the context of PDT, mechanisms of activation by PDT, and molecular intervention strategies aimed at inhibiting survival signaling and improving PDT outcome.
Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationMethods in Molecular Biology
PublisherHumana Press Inc.
Pages405-480
Number of pages76
Volume2451
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2022

Publication series

NameMethods in Molecular Biology
Volume2451

Keywords

  • ASK-1
  • Cancer cell survival
  • Pharmacological intervention
  • Photosensitizer
  • Tumor recalcitrance
  • p38 and JNK, Therapy resistance

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