Photodynamic effect of indocyanine green and its application to hepatocellular carcinoma treatment

Abstract

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) stands as the primary cause of liver cancers, with limited treatment options outside of surgical resection or transplant. Photodynamic therapy (PDT) using indocyanine green (ICG) as a photosensitizer offers a promising therapeutic option for HCC. ICG PDT has demonstrated efficacy in vitro and in vivo , providing a safe treatment option for patients ineligible for resection or transplant. Challenges in PDT optimization include limited light delivery, poor photosensitizer optimization, and low oxygen generation. Innovative solutions, such as ICG incorporation into nanostructures and direct administration for HCC cases, show promise. Combining ICG PDT with Lentinula edodes mycelia (LEM) and hydrogen gas inhalation may address oxygen production limitations. Utilizing a combination of therapeutic approaches and therapies may increase the efficacy of ICG PDT, making it the safer and more effective treatment option for patients. ICG’s proven clinical safety may expedite potential approval for its use in PDT. Advancements in photosensitizer technology, such as aggregation-induced emission photosensitizers (AIE-PSs), and combination therapies will enhance PDT efficacy shortly, as developments show promise for improved outcomes. For HCC patients, ICG PDT presents a valuable therapeutic option. This work is novel because it explores new combination therapy approaches, leveraging the benefits of PDT with ICG and the developments in photosensitizer technology, nanotechnology, and the combination of other treatments such as LEM and hydrogen gas, which could potentially revolutionize the treatment of HCC and offer a better prognosis for patients.