To overcome the shallow penetration in tissue of the light required to induce PDT, various strategies are being investigated. This session will focus on alternative sources to visible light that can activate the PDT process regardless of the depth of the tumor

PDT is known to lead to a localized inflammatory response that can activate the immune system to further support local tumor destruction. In addition, an adaptive immune response can be triggered, leading to systemic effects that can destroy distant lesions and potentially protect from recurrences. This session will discuss recent studies in which immunomodulation is assessed, either by PDT alone, or in combination with immunomodulatory therapies.

For many years, PDT is expected to be a breakthrough in the treatment of malignant glioma as a tumor cell-selective, less invasive therapy for the infiltrated functional brain area. This session entitled “Intracranial PDT: PDT treatment of Brain Tumors » will update new developments and report the last results of clinical studies.

Development and characterization of photosensitizers are important to extend the range of applications of PDT. In addition, targeting specific biological molecules should offer novel approaches to augment PDT efficacy. This session will cover topics from photosensitizer design to drug delivery and the possibility of combined therapy with immunotherapy and other therapies.

The availability of oxygen during PDT is essential for the induction of phototoxicity. However, hypoxic conditions are often found and involved in tumor development. During PDT, oxygen is also consumed, leading to local hypoxia. Under those conditions, alternatives to TypI/TypII reactions could improve PDT. Within this session, different approaches, leading to novel drugs and techniques, enabling oxygen imaging (for example PLIM) as well as rearranging PDT mechanisms will be discussed.