Advances in Nanomedicine-Mediated Photodynamic Therapy for Lung Cancer: Challenges and Perspectives

Yumei Liao,1 Shiyu Zhang,1 Yan Liu,2 Fengye Li,1 Gongjun Zhang,1 Hai Liu2 1Gannan Innovation and Translational Medicine Research Institute, Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, People’s Republic of China; 2College of Pharmacy, Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, People’s Republic of ChinaCorrespondence: Gongjun Zhang, Gannan Innovation and Translational Medicine Research Institute, Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, People’s Republic of China, Email zhanggj@gimi.ac.cn Hai Liu, College of Pharmacy, Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, People’s Republic of China, Email liuhaiuser@163.comAbstract: Photodynamic therapy (PDT), a precision modality based on photosensitizers, light, and oxygen, demonstrates unique advantages in lung cancer treatment. The limitations of traditional photosensitizers in clinical applications, including poor water solubility and insufficient targeting, have driven the development of nanotechnology and novel photosensitizers. Accordingly, this review elaborates on advanced strategies designed to enhance therapeutic specificity and efficacy, overcome the hypoxic tumor microenvironment (TME) and combat monotherapy resistance. These strategies include the design of various nanocarriers, active targeting ligands, novel energy transfer methods, as well as intelligent responsive systems and combination therapies. Nevertheless, despite abundant preclinical achievements, the clinical translation of nano-PDT formulations faces significant obstacles. Future efforts should focus on developing theranostic platforms to rigorously evaluate clinical safety and efficacy, enable precision treatment, and decipher immunological synergy.Keywords: photodynamic therapy, nanomedicine, targeting ligands, responsive design, lung cancer