Abstract
Cancer stem cells (CSCs) are essential for the growth of malignancies because
they encourage resistance to cancer therapy and make metastasis and relapse easier. To
effectively tackle the obstacles presented by CSCs, novel therapeutic approaches are required.
Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is a promising treatment option for cancer cells,
which uses light-sensitive medications that are activated by light wavelengths. This review
investigates the use of PDT to overcome malignancies driven by CSCs that have innate
resistance mechanisms. PDT works by causing tumor cells to accumulate photosensitizers
(PSs) selectively. The reactive oxygen species (ROS), which kill cells, are released by these
PSs when they are stimulated by light. According to recent developments in PDT, its
efficacy may go beyond traditional tumor cells, providing a viable remedy for the resistance
shown by CSCs. Researchers want to improve the targeted elimination and selective targeting
of CSCs by combining PDT with new PSs and customized delivery systems. Studies
emphasize how PDT affects CSCs as well as bulk tumor cells. According to studies, PDT
not only limits CSC growth but also modifies their microenvironment, which lowers the
possibility of recovery. Additionally, studies are being conducted on the utilization of PDT
and immunotherapeutic techniques to improve treatment efficacy and overcome inherent
resistance of CSCs. In conclusion, PDT is a viable strategy for treating carcinogenesis driven
by CSCs. By applying the most recent advancements in PDT technologies and recognizing
how it interacts with CSCs, this treatment has the potential to surpass traditional resistance
mechanisms and improve the future of cancer patients. Clinical and preclinical studies
highlight that combining PDT with CSC-targeted approaches has the potential to overcome
current therapy limitations. Future efforts should focus on clinical validation, optimizing
light delivery and PS use, and developing effective combination strategies to target CSCs.
Keywords: cancer; cancer stem cells; photodynamic therapy; photosensitizers; reactive
oxygen species