Reactive oxygen species generation via photodynamic therapy mechanism

Generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) via the photodynamic therapy mechanism refers to a therapeutic process in which a photosensitizing chemical is administered and accumulates in tissues of interest (such as tumors). Upon irradiation with a specific wavelength of light, the photosensitizer transitions to an excited state and transfers energy to molecular oxygen, forming cytotoxic ROS such as singlet oxygen (^1O_2), superoxide, and hydroxyl radicals. These highly reactive species induce oxidative stress, directly causing cancer cell death (via apoptosis and necrosis), damaging tumor vasculature, and can enhance immune-mediated responses against tumor cells. This mechanism is the core of photodynamic therapy's anticancer effects but is not itself a molecular drug target, receptor, or protein[1][4][7][8].

Other names

PDT-induced ROS productionPhotodynamic ROS generationROS induction by photodynamic therapy

Light-activated photosensitizers generate ROS (such as singlet oxygen, superoxide, hydroxyl radicals) in the presence of oxygen, which mediate cytotoxic effects on cells[1][4][7].