ABSTRACT
Despite its more than 100-year history in experimental and clinical use, photodynamic therapy (PDT) is only starting to be appreciated for its full potential. PDT combines a photosensitizer and light in the presence of oxygen to treat cancer and other disorders. This paper reviews the molecular mechanism of PDT at the cellular level as well as in therapeutic settings in vivo. The availability of multiple photosensitizers with different structures and functional properties makes PDT an extremely versatile and, conversely, a challenging approach to cancer therapy. The advancing understanding of molecular pathways helps to design improved regimens. As most cancers are being treated with combined therapies, PDT is being integrated into rationally designed regimens that exploit molecular responses to PDT for improved efficacy.
Subject(s)
Humans , Neoplasms , Drug Therapy , Photochemotherapy , Photosensitizing Agents , Therapeutic UsesABSTRACT
Objective To review our experience in the diagnosis and treatment of nonfunctional islet cell tumors(NICT).Method The clinicopathological data of 26 cases of NICT were retrospectively analysed and the medical literature was reviewed.Results In addition to the 26 cases seen in our center,there were 569 cases published in 37 articles in the medical literature.In China,NICT was more common in women.The male to female ratio was about 3 ∶ 7.The mean age of onset of the disease was 35 years old.Most NICT were solitary and malignant,surgery was effective in prolonging long-term survival.Conclusions NICT is rare and it had no specific clinical presentation.BUS and CT are useful for diagnosis and surgery is effective.