Abstract
The idea of using light as a therapeutic tool has been popular for thousands
of years. Scientific discoveries in line with technological innovations have contributed
to the advancement of photodynamic therapy as a therapeutic modality. Photodynamic
therapy is based on the generation of highly reactive species that alter the molecular
systematics of cells through interactions between light, photosensitizer, and molecular
oxygen. It has a minimally invasive protocol that can be combined with other clinical
methods or can be stand-alone. The development of photosensitizers with the
integration of nanotechnological approaches has provided favorable results over the
years in malignant and non-malignant diseases by facilitating target-site action,
selectivity, and controllable drug release. This chapter presents a review of
photodynamic therapy with its important aspects; history, mechanism of action, cellular
effects, integration into nanoscale drug delivery systems, and combinational therapeutic
approaches in cancer.