Photodynamic therapy for glioblastoma: A light at the end of the tunnel

Abstract

Glioblastomas (GBM) are considered one of the most aggressive tumors of the central nervous system. The standard treatment for GBM-diagnosed patients implies surgery, followed by radio and chemotherapy, with a survival of 12 to 15 months after treatment. Photodynamic Therapy (PDT) is an alternative approach to treating several diseases, including tumors. The study of PDT to treat GBM has been gaining attention over the last few years. In this work, we reviewed the cellular and molecular features and current treatment modalities for GBM as well as the most used photosensitizers for GBM-PDT reported in the last five years, such as porphyrins, chlorins, and phthalocyanines, and also their precursors, as in the case of aminolaevulinic acid. Moreover, an analysis of cellular targets, mechanisms mediating the response and resistance to PDT, and clinical application of this strategy for GBM treatment have been discussed.