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Photodynamic therapy enhancement of anti-tumor immunity

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Abstract

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is an FDA-approved modality for the treatment of early-stage disease and palliation of late-stage disease. Pre-clinical studies using mouse models and clinical studies in patients have demonstrated that PDT is capable of influencing the immune system. The effect of PDT on the generation of anti-tumor immunity is regimen-dependent and is tightly linked to the degree and nature of inflammation induced by PDT. However, the precise mechanism underlying PDT-regulated adaptive anti-tumor immunity remains unclear. This review will focus on the current knowledge of immune regulation by PDT.

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Correspondence to Sandra O. Gollnick.

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This article is published as part of a themed issue on immunological aspects and drug delivery technologies in PDT.

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Brackett, C.M., Gollnick, S.O. Photodynamic therapy enhancement of anti-tumor immunity. Photochem Photobiol Sci 10, 649–652 (2011). https://doi.org/10.1039/c0pp00354a

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