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CC BY 4.0 · Ibnosina Journal of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences 2025; 17(04): 147-157
DOI: 10.1055/s-0045-1814741
Review Article

Photodynamic Therapy for Head and Neck Cancers: A Review of a Novel, Patient-Friendly Solution and Prospects

Authors

  • Akeem Moradehun Bamiro 

    1   Department of Anatomy, School of Medical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Kubang Kerian, Kelantan, Malaysia

  • Zul Izhar Mohd Ismail 

    1   Department of Anatomy, School of Medical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Kubang Kerian, Kelantan, Malaysia
    2   Hospital Universiti Sains Malaysia, Jalan Raja Perempuan II, Kubang Kerian, Kelantan, Malaysia

  • Sharifah Emilia Tuan Sharif

    2   Hospital Universiti Sains Malaysia, Jalan Raja Perempuan II, Kubang Kerian, Kelantan, Malaysia
    3   Department of Pathology, School of Medical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Kubang Kerian, Kelantan, Malaysia

  • Tengku Ahmad Damitri Al-Astani Tengku Din 

    2   Hospital Universiti Sains Malaysia, Jalan Raja Perempuan II, Kubang Kerian, Kelantan, Malaysia
    4   Department of Chemical Pathology, School of Medical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Kubang Kerian, Kelantan, Malaysia

  • Nasibah Mohamad

    2   Hospital Universiti Sains Malaysia, Jalan Raja Perempuan II, Kubang Kerian, Kelantan, Malaysia
    5   Department of Radiology, School of Medical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Kubang Kerian, Kelantan, Malaysia

  • Samir Acherar

    6   Reactions and Chemical Engineering Laboratory, Université de Lorraine, Nancy, France

  • Philippe Arnoux

    6   Reactions and Chemical Engineering Laboratory, Université de Lorraine, Nancy, France

  • Céline Frochot

    6   Reactions and Chemical Engineering Laboratory, Université de Lorraine, Nancy, France

  • Norhafiza Mat Lazim 

    2   Hospital Universiti Sains Malaysia, Jalan Raja Perempuan II, Kubang Kerian, Kelantan, Malaysia
    7   Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, School of Medical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Kubang Kerian, Kelantan, Malaysia

Funding and Sponsorship This study was funded by the MATCH grant fund of the Ministry of Higher Education Malaysia (MOHE), project code 203.PPSP.6782007.
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Abstract

Background

Head and neck cancers (HNCs) are among the six most common malignancies worldwide, with incidence projected to increase substantially by 2030. Although surgery and chemoradiation remain effective standard treatments, they are often costly, less accessible, and associated with significant functional and aesthetic morbidity. Photodynamic therapy (PDT) has emerged as a promising alternative due to its safety profile, cost-effectiveness, and ability to preserve vital structures.

Materials and Methods

This narrative review examined preclinical and clinical studies evaluating PDT for HNC. A structured literature search was conducted in PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science using terms such as “photodynamic therapy,” “head and neck cancer,” “oral squamous cell carcinoma,” “minimally invasive therapy,” “photoimmunotherapy,” “photochemical internalization,” and “nanoparticle delivery.” Only English-language, peer-reviewed articles reporting on the efficacy, safety, or mechanisms of PDT were included. Eligible studies were selected based on relevance to clinical application and innovation, and findings were organized thematically to highlight therapeutic outcomes, patient-centered advantages, and translational developments supporting broader clinical integration.

Findings

PDT demonstrates several key advantages over conventional treatments, including high tumor specificity, reduced toxicity, preservation of normal tissues, and suitability for outpatient care. These benefits are especially valuable in low-resource settings. PDT also supports better functional and aesthetic outcomes by minimizing scarring and reducing hospital stays. Its compatibility with other modalities, such as chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and immunotherapy, further enhances its role in multimodal treatment strategies. Technological progress, particularly in nanoparticle-based photosensitizers and targeted light delivery, has markedly improved the precision and effectiveness of PDT.

Conclusion

PDT holds strong potential as a safe, accessible, and cost-effective treatment for HNCs. Its favorable therapeutic profile, combined with expanding technological innovations, positions PDT as an important and increasingly relevant option within future oncologic care.

Keywords

minimally invasive therapy - targeted cancer treatment - nanoparticle therapy - photochemical internalization - photoimmunotherapy - salvage therapy

Authors' Contributions

N.M.L. had the original idea for the article and developed the review concept. A.M.B. performed the literature search and drafted the initial manuscript. Z.I.M.I., S.E.T.S., T.A.D.A.A.T.D., N.M., S.A., C.F., and N.M.L. critically revised the work for important intellectual content. All the authors read and approved the final version of the manuscript.


Compliance with Ethical Principles

Not applicable.




Publication History

Article published online:
31 December 2025

© 2025. The Author(s). This is an open access article published by Thieme under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, permitting unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction so long as the original work is properly cited. (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/)

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