Singlet oxygen-mediated tumor cell death

This entry does not refer to a specific molecular target such as a receptor, enzyme, or transporter. Instead, it describes the process by which singlet oxygen (^1O_2), a highly reactive form of molecular oxygen generated locally within tumor tissues—typically through photodynamic therapy (PDT)—induces selective cancer cell death. In PDT, photosensitizing agents accumulate preferentially in tumors; upon activation by light at specific wavelengths, these agents transfer energy to ground-state molecular oxygen to generate singlet oxygen. The resulting oxidative stress leads primarily to apoptosis via both intrinsic and extrinsic pathways and can also cause necrosis depending on treatment parameters. This approach is used clinically for several cancers but is not itself a discrete druggable biomolecule; rather, it is an induced chemical event within the tumor microenvironment[1][2][3][4]. Monitoring the amount and kinetics of singlet oxygen produced during PDT can serve as an efficacy biomarker[5]. Safety concerns include potential collateral damage from ROS if selectivity is lost or if antioxidant defenses are high in tumors. **Note:** This entry should be flagged as "incorrect" for structured drug target databases because it does not represent a canonical molecule/receptor but rather describes an induced chemical process within tissues.

Other names

Singlet oxygen (1O2) generation in tumor tissuePhotodynamic therapy targetTumor-localized singlet oxygen production

Generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), especially singlet oxygen, leading to oxidative damage and apoptosis of tumor cells[1][2][3][4].