Towards Dual and Targeted Cancer Therapy with Novel Phthalocyanine-based Photosensitizers


Book Description

Janet Lau's thesis describes her studies into the use of phthalocyanine-based photosensitizers in combined chemo- and photodynamic therapy (PDT) and targeted PDT. In order to carry out this study, Lau uses several approaches: conjugation with a chemotherapeutic oxaliplatin derivative, use of a polyamine ligand 2 with a view to targeting the polyamine transporters over-expressed in tumor cells, and employment of a quencher that can inhibit their photodynamic activity but can still be removed under a tumor-associated environment such as low pH and high thiol concentration. This thesis reports dual activatable photosensitizers for the first time. Overall the studies included are original and the effects have been well demonstrated at the cellular level. The work in this thesis is of much current interest and importance, and can pave foundation for further developments. Accordingly, part of the results has been published in prestigious scientific journals.




Photophysics and Nanophysics in Therapeutics


Book Description

Photophysics and Nanophysics in Therapeutics explores the latest advances and applications of phototherapy and nanotherapy, covering the application of light, radiation, and nanotechnology in therapeutics, along with the fundamental principles of physics in these areas. Consisting of two parts, the book first features a range of chapters covering phototherapeutics, from the fundamentals of photodynamic therapy (PDT) to applications such as cancer treatment and advances in radiotherapy, applied physics in cancer radiotherapy treatment, and the role of carbon ion beam therapy. Other sections cover nanotherapeutics, potential applications and challenges, and nanotherapy for drug delivery to the brain. Final chapters delve into nanotechnology in the diagnosis and treatment of cancers, the role of nanocarriers for HIV treatment, nanoparticles for rheumatoid arthritis treatment, peptide functionalized nanomaterials as microbial sensors, and theranostic nanoagents. - Evaluates the latest developments in the fields of phototherapy and nanotherapy - Investigates the fundamental physics behind these technologies - Explores therapeutic applications across a range of diseases, such as skin disorders, cancer, and neurological conditions - Includes case studies that illustrate research in practice - Considers challenges and future perspectives













Redox-Active Therapeutics


Book Description

This essential volume comprehensively discusses redox-active therapeutics, focusing particularly on their molecular design, mechanistic, pharmacological and medicinal aspects. The first section of the book describes the basic aspects of the chemistry and biology of redox-active drugs and includes a brief overview of the redox-based pathways involved in cancer and the medical aspects of redox-active drugs, assuming little in the way of prior knowledge. Subsequent sections and chapters describe more specialized aspects of central nervous system injuries, neurodegenerative diseases, pain, radiation injury and radioprotection (such as of brain, lungs, head and neck and erectile function) and neglected diseases (e.g., leishmaniasis). It encompasses several major classes of redox-active experimental therapeutics, which include porphyrins, salens, nitrones, and most notably metal-containing (e.g., Mn, Fe, Cu, Zn, Sb) drugs as either single compounds or formulations with nanomaterials and quantum dots. Numerous illustrations, tables and figures enhance and complement the text; extensive references to relevant literature are also included. Redox-Active Therapeutics is an invaluable addition to Springer’s Oxidative Stress in Applied Basic Research and Clinical Practice series. It is essential reading for researchers, clinicians and graduate students interested in understanding and exploring the Redoxome—the organism redox network—as an emerging frontier in drug design, redox biology and medicine.




Handbook of Photomedicine


Book Description

Providing the most comprehensive, up-to-date coverage of this exciting biomedical field, Handbook of Photomedicine gathers together a large team of international experts to give you a complete account of the application of light in healthcare and medical science. The book progresses logically from the history and fundamentals of photomedicine to di




Polymer and Photonic Materials Towards Biomedical Breakthroughs


Book Description

This book offers a complete overview of photonic-enhanced materials from material development to a final photonic biomedical application. It includes fundamental, applied, and industrial photonics. The authors cover synthesis, the modification and the processing of a variety of (bio)polymers including thermoplasts (e.g. polyesters) and hydrogels (e.g. proteins and polysaccharides) for a plethora of applications in the field of optics and regenerative medicine.







Recent Advances in the Biology, Therapy and Management of Melanoma


Book Description

The book Recent Advances in the Biology, Therapy and Management of Melanoma brings up-to-date information regarding a number of aspects which culminate in illuminating potential targets in the fight against melanoma. This book is intended to be a reference book for both the scientific and clinical communities and brings complicated subject matter together in an easy, readable way. Undoubtedly fundamental scientific understanding has to then be translated to the clinic in order for us to make significant strides in eradicating melanoma. It is hoped that scientists, clinicians, students and residents find this book useful in their studies on melanoma and that it not only expands their perspectives and views on the field, but challenges them to forge ahead towards discovering the ultimate cure.