Photodynamic therapy for prostate cancer - A narrative review

This article is a review of approaches to treatment of low and high-grade prostate cancer including a discussion of active treatment vs. active surveillance for patients with low-grade prostate cancer. In particular, we will review PDT as an option for active treatment of low-grade prostate cancer considered in light of recent clinical trials. The mechanism and clinical methods of PDT application and the key points from clinical trials using PDT for prostate cancer with the photosensitizers m-tetrahydroxyphenyl chloride, protoporphyrin IX, motexafin lutetium, padoporfin, and padeliporfin between the years 2002 and 2017 are reviewed. Recently developed methodologies for photodynamic prostate cancer treatment that are in the experimental stage, photodynamic diagnosis, fluorescence guided resection, and PSMA-targeted PDT will also be discussed.

Automated summary

This article reviews the treatment approaches for low and high-grade prostate cancer, discussing the importance of active treatment vs. active surveillance for low-grade prostate cancer patients. It highlights photodynamic therapy as an option for active treatment of low-grade prostate cancer, examining the mechanisms, clinical methods, and key points from recent clinical trials. Additionally, it explores experimental methodologies for photodynamic prostate cancer treatment, photodynamic diagnosis, fluorescence guided resection, and PSMA-targeted PDT.