Efficacy and Safety of Topical Hypericin Photodynamic Therapy for Early-Stage Cutaneous T-Cell Lymphoma (Mycosis Fungoides): The FLASH Phase 3 Randomized Clinical Trial

Exploring treatment options in cancer: Tumor treatment strategies

Traditional therapeutic approaches such as chemotherapy and radiation therapy have burdened cancer patients with onerous physical and psychological challenges. Encouragingly, the landscape of tumor treatment has undergone a comprehensive and remarkable transformation. Emerging as fervently pursued modalities are small molecule targeted agents, antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs), cell-based therapies, and gene therapy. These cutting-edge treatment modalities not only afford personalized and precise tumor targeting, but also provide patients with enhanced therapeutic comfort and the potential to impede disease progression. Nonetheless, it is acknowledged that these therapeutic strategies still harbour untapped potential for further advancement. Gaining a comprehensive understanding of the merits and limitations of these treatment modalities holds the promise of offering novel perspectives for clinical practice and foundational research endeavours. In this review, we discussed the different treatment modalities, including small molecule targeted drugs, peptide drugs, antibody drugs, cell therapy, and gene therapy. It will provide a detailed explanation of each method, addressing their status of development, clinical challenges, and potential solutions. The aim is to assist clinicians and researchers in gaining a deeper understanding of these diverse treatment options, enabling them to carry out effective treatment and advance their research more efficiently.

Revisiting the standards of cancer detection and therapy alongside their comparison to modern methods

In accordance with the World Health Organization data, cancer remains at the forefront of fatal diseases. An upward trend in cancer incidence and mortality has been observed globally, emphasizing that efforts in developing detection and treatment methods should continue. The diagnostic path typically begins with learning the medical history of a patient; this is followed by basic blood tests and imaging tests to indicate where cancer may be located to schedule a needle biopsy. Prompt initiation of diagnosis is crucial since delayed cancer detection entails higher costs of treatment and hospitalization. Thus, there is a need for novel cancer detection methods such as liquid biopsy, elastography, synthetic biosensors, fluorescence imaging, and reflectance confocal microscopy. Conventional therapeutic methods, although still common in clinical practice, pose many limitations and are unsatisfactory. Nowadays, there is a dynamic advancement of clinical research and the development of more precise and effective methods such as oncolytic virotherapy, exosome-based therapy, nanotechnology, dendritic cells, chimeric antigen receptors, immune checkpoint inhibitors, natural product-based therapy, tumor-treating fields, and photodynamic therapy. The present paper compares available data on conventional and modern methods of cancer detection and therapy to facilitate an understanding of this rapidly advancing field and its future directions. As evidenced, modern methods are not without drawbacks; there is still a need to develop new detection strategies and therapeutic approaches to improve sensitivity, specificity, safety, and efficacy. Nevertheless, an appropriate route has been taken, as confirmed by the approval of some modern methods by the Food and Drug Administration.

Cytotoxic and Immunomodulatory Effects of Hypericin as a Photosensitizer in Photodynamic Therapy Used on Skin Cell Cultures

Determination of the hypericin-photodynamic (HY-PDT) effect on the secretion of cytokines secreted by the skin cells, may be the basis for using the immunomodulatory effect of photodynamic action in the treatment of inflammatory skin diseases. The study aimed to evaluate the cytotoxic and immunomodulatory effects of hypericin (HY) in photodynamic therapy (PDT) performed in vitro on cultures of selected skin cell lines. The study used two human cell lines, primary dermal fibroblast (HDFa) and primary epidermal keratinocytes (HEKa). The MTT test was used to define the metabolic activity of treated cells. Cell supernatants subjected to sublethal PDT were assessed to determine the interleukins: IL-2, IL-8, IL-10, IL-11, IL-19, IL-22, and metalloproteinase 1 (MMP-1). The results confirm the destructive effect of HY-PDT and the immunomodulatory effects of sublethal doses on the selected skin cells, depending on the concentration of HY and the light doses. No statistically significant differences were noted in IL-2 and IL-10 concentration after HY-PDT for HEKa and HDFa lines. After using HY-PDT, the concentration of IL-8, MMP-1, IL-22, and IL-11 significantly decreased in the HEKa line. Moreover, the concentration of IL-19 and MMP-1 significantly decreased in the HDFa line. The concentration of IL-11 in the HDFa line after using only the HY, without the light, increased but decreased after HY-PDT. Our experiment confirmed that HY-PDT has not only a cytotoxic effect but, used in sublethal doses, also presents immunomodulatory properties. These may be an advantage of HY-PDT when used in the treatment of persistent skin inflammation, connected with the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines resistant to conventional treatment methods.

The use of photodynamic therapy in medical practice

Cancer therapy, especially for tumors near sensitive areas, demands precise treatment. This review explores photodynamic therapy (PDT), a method leveraging photosensitizers (PS), specific wavelength light, and oxygen to target cancer effectively. Recent advancements affirm PDT's efficacy, utilizing ROS generation to induce cancer cell death. With a history spanning over decades, PDT's dynamic evolution has expanded its application across dermatology, oncology, and dentistry. This review aims to dissect PDT's principles, from its inception to contemporary medical applications, highlighting its role in modern cancer treatment strategies.

Phototherapy and mycosis fungoides: what's new?

The most common cutaneous T-cell lymphoma, mycosis fungoides (MF), is clinically characterized by erythematous-violaceous nodules and erythematous-scaly patches. In the early stages of MF, phototherapy is currently the first line of treatment and plays a significant role. This study aims to review and analyze the various phototherapy options for cutaneous lymphoma.

Changes to Registered and Pivotal Clinical Trials after the 2011 Tri-Societies Guidelines for Clinical Endpoints and Response Criteria in Mycosis Fungoides and Sézary Syndrome

Guidelines for mycosis fungoides and Sézary syndrome clinical trials were published in 2011 to standardize endpoint criteria and trial design. Our retrospective cohort study of mycosis fungoides/Sézary syndrome clinical trials registered on ClinicalTrials.gov and pivotal trials supporting drug approvals and label extensions evaluates adherence to these guidelines. Sixty-three trials met our inclusion criteria. In a subpopulation of trials, mean adherence to the guidelines was approximately 60%. When comparing trials that began in the first 6 years after their publication with those that started after, we found no difference in mean adherence (4.12 vs 3.41) (P = .15). Among the 8 pivotal trials supporting new mycosis fungoides or Sézary syndrome systemic therapies from 1990 to 2020, systemic trials published after 2011 were more likely to randomize patients (100 vs 0%, P = .036), perform superiority testing (100 vs 0%, P = .036), and use an intention-to-treat analysis (100 vs 0%, P = .036). The design of trials registered on Clinicaltrials.gov did not change significantly between the first 6 years after the publication of the guidelines and after. This demonstrates that the guidelines are still not consistently implemented across all trials. However, registrational trials were more likely to implement the recommendations.

A Review of the Dermatologic Clinical Applications of Topical Photodynamic Therapy

Topical photodynamic therapy is a widely approved therapy for actinic keratoses and low-risk nonmelanoma skin cancers with a rapidly growing range of emerging indications for other cutaneous diseases. This review summarizes the best-available evidence to provide a clinical update for dermatologists on the approved and emerging indications of photodynamic therapy. The body of evidence suggests that photodynamic therapy is superior or noninferior to other available treatment modalities for actinic keratoses, low-risk basal cell carcinomas, Bowen's disease, skin field cancerization, chemoprevention of keratinocyte carcinomas in organ transplant recipients, photoaging, acne vulgaris, and cutaneous infections including verrucae, onychomycosis, and cutaneous leishmaniasis. There is emerging evidence that photodynamic therapy plays a role in the management of actinic cheilitis, early-stage mycosis fungoides, extramammary Paget disease, lichen sclerosis, and folliculitis decalvans but there are no comparative studies with other active treatment modalities. Common barriers to topical photodynamic therapy include procedural pain, costs, and the time required for treatment delivery. There is significant heterogeneity in the photodynamic therapy protocols reported in the literature, including different photosensitizers, light sources, number of treatments, time between treatments, and use of procedural analgesia. Topical photodynamic therapy should be considered in the management of a spectrum of inflammatory, neoplastic, and infectious dermatoses. However, more comparative research is required to determine its role in the treatment algorithm for these dermatologic conditions and more methodological research is required to optimize photodynamic therapy protocols to improve the tolerability of the procedure for patients.

Photodynamic Therapy and Immunological View in Gastrointestinal Tumors

Gastrointestinal cancers are a specific group of oncological diseases in which the location and nature of growth are of key importance for clinical symptoms and prognosis. At the same time, as research shows, they pose a serious threat to a patient's life, especially at an advanced stage of development. The type of therapy used depends on the anatomical location of the cancer, its type, and the degree of progression. One of the modern forms of therapy used to treat gastrointestinal cancers is PDT, which has been approved for the treatment of esophageal cancer in the United States. Despite the increasingly rapid clinical use of this treatment method, the exact immunological mechanisms it induces in cancer cells has not yet been fully elucidated. This article presents a review of the current understanding of the mode of action of photodynamic therapy on cells of various gastrointestinal cancers with an emphasis on colorectal cancer. The types of cell death induced by PDT include apoptosis, necrosis, and pyroptosis. Anticancer effects are also a result of the destruction of tumor vasculature and activation of the immune system. Many reports exist that concern the mechanism of apoptosis induction, of which the mitochondrial pathway is most often emphasized. Photodynamic therapy may also have a beneficial effect on such aspects of cancer as the ability to develop metastases or contribute to reducing resistance to known pharmacological agents.

Hypericin as a promising natural bioactive naphthodianthrone: A review of its pharmacology, pharmacokinetics, toxicity, and safety

Hypericin can be derived from St. John's wort, which is widely spread around the world. As a natural product, it has been put into clinical practice such as wound healing and depression for a long time. In this article, we review the pharmacology, pharmacokinetics, and safety of hypericin, aiming to introduce the research advances and provide a full evaluation of it. Turns out hypericin, as a natural photosensitizer, exhibits an excellent capacity for anticancer, neuroprotection, and elimination of microorganisms, especially when activated by light, potent anticancer and antimicrobial effects are obtained after photodynamic therapy. The mechanisms of its therapeutic effects involve the induction of cell death, inhibition of cell cycle progression, inhibition of the reuptake of amines, and inhibition of virus replication. The pharmacokinetics properties indicate that hypericin has poor water solubility and bioavailability. The distribution and excretion are fast, and it is metabolized in bile. The toxicity of hypericin is rarely reported and the conventional use of it rarely causes adverse effects except for photosensitization. Therefore, we may conclude that hypericin can be used safely and effectively against a variety of diseases. We hope to provide researchers with detailed guidance and enlighten the development of it.

Sonosensitizer Nanoplatforms Augmented Sonodynamic Therapy-Sensitizing Shikonin-Induced Necroptosis Against Hepatocellular Carcinoma

Background

Apoptosis resistance of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) often leads to treatment failure. Nonetheless, overcoming the resistance of HCC to apoptosis by inducing necroptosis of tumor cells to bypass the apoptotic pathway may be a promising treatment strategy. Sonodynamic therapy (SDT) has broad prospects in disease treatment because of its noninvasive characteristic and spatiotemporal control. The combination of SDT and shikonin in the treatment of HCC is expected to be a new tumor treatment method that can overcome apoptosis resistance.

Methods

In this study, the antitumor effect was evaluated using normal liver cell line WRL68, HCC cell line HepG2 and HepG2 xenograft mouse models. Indocyanine green (ICG) was loaded on nanobubbles (NBs) to construct ICG-loaded nanobubbles (ICG-NBs). Combined sonosensitizer nanoplatforms with ultrasound (US) to achieve efficient SDT, the combination of SDT and shikonin in treating HCC can activate shikonin-induced necroptosis. As a result, tumor cells that produced apoptosis resistance were destroyed by necroptosis.

Results

The results indicated a successful preparation of ICG-NBs with a uniform particle size of 273.0 ± 118.9 nm spherical structures. ICG-NB-mediated SDT, in combination with shikonin treatment, inhibited the viability, invasion, and migration of tumor cells. SDT + shikonin treatment group caused a substantial increase in necroptotic cells. The increased degree of tumor necrosis and the upregulated expression of receptor-interacting protein 3 kinase were observed in vivo studies, which indicated that the antitumor effect was accompanied by enhanced necroptosis in the SDT + shikonin treatment group.

Conclusion

ICG-NB-mediated SDT combined with shikonin inhibits the growth of HCC by increasing the necroptosis of tumor cells. Therefore, this combination therapy is a promising treatment strategy against the specific cancer.

Novel antidepressant mechanism of hypericin: Role of connexin 43-based gap junctions

Hypericin is widely utilized for its precise antidepressant properties, but its exact antidepressant mechanism remains unclear. Gap junctions, which were predominantly expressed in astrocytes in the central nervous system, are concerned with the pathogenesis of depression. However, the role of hypericin in gap junctional dysfunction in depression has rarely been investigated. Here, we found that gap junctions were ultra-structurally broadened in the chronic unpredictable stress (CUS) rat model of depression, while hypericin repaired the dysfunction of gap junctions. Suppression of gap junctions by bilateral injection of carbenoxolone (CBX) in the prefrontal cortex of rats significantly inhibited the restoration of gap junctional dysfunction in depression by hypericin. Meanwhile, hypericin failed to show antidepressant benefits. Furthermore, in corticosterone (CORT)-stimulated primary astrocytes derived from neonatal rats, hypericin dramatically reversed the phosphorylation of connexin 43 (Cx43), normalizing the expression of Cx43 and thereby ameliorating gap junctional dysfunction. Comparatively, CBX inhibited the remission of hypericin on gap junctional intercellular communication function. Gap junctional function might be a novel therapeutic target for hypericin in the treatment of depression and provide potential novel insights into the antidepressant mechanism of other herbal ingredients.

What Is New in Cutaneous T Cell Lymphoma?

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

This review focuses on updates in prognosis, pathogenesis, and treatment of cutaneous T cell lymphoma (CTCL).

RECENT FINDINGS

Cohort studies indicate imaging may be necessary in early-stage CTCL. Risk factors for progression of CTCL have been identified. Interactions between malignant cells and the tumor microenvironment (TME) and the skin microbiome advance the understanding of pathogenesis and tumor cell dissemination. Studies support a hypothesis of circulating malignant tumor cells. MicroRNA (miR) influence tumor progression and prognosis; the IL22-STAT3-CCL20 cascade may be a novel target. IL-4, IL-5, and IL-31 cytokines are relevant for pruritus and could be targets for therapeutic interventions. Systemic therapies, such as JAK inhibitors, targeted antibodies, and checkpoint inhibitors, show promise in advanced stages. Allogenic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation provides a potential curative option for patients. Further investigations of prognosis and translational research are necessary to improve stratification of patients for treatment.

Photodynamic Therapy Combined with Ferroptosis Is a Synergistic Antitumor Therapy Strategy

Ferroptosis is a programmed death mode that regulates redox homeostasis in cells, and recent studies suggest that it is a promising mode of tumor cell death. Ferroptosis is regulated by iron metabolism, lipid metabolism, and intracellular reducing substances, which is the mechanism basis of its combination with photodynamic therapy (PDT). PDT generates reactive oxygen species (ROS) and 1O2 through type I and type II photochemical reactions, and subsequently induces ferroptosis through the Fenton reaction and the peroxidation of cell membrane lipids. PDT kills tumor cells by generating excessive cytotoxic ROS. Due to the limited laser depth and photosensitizer enrichment, the systemic treatment effect of PDT is not good. Combining PDT with ferroptosis can compensate for these shortcomings. Nanoparticles constructed by photosensitizers and ferroptosis agonists are widely used in the field of combination therapy, and their targeting and biological safety can be improved through modification. These nanoparticles not only directly kill tumor cells but also further exert the synergistic effect of PDT and ferroptosis by activating antitumor immunity, improving the hypoxia microenvironment, and inhibiting the tumor angiogenesis. Ferroptosis-agonist-induced chemotherapy and PDT-induced ablation also have good clinical application prospects. In this review, we summarize the current research progress on PDT and ferroptosis and how PDT and ferroptosis promote each other.

Advances in the treatment of mycoses fungoides and Sézary syndrome: a narrative update in skin-directed therapies and immune-based treatments

Mycoses fungoides (MF) and Sézary syndrome (SS) are cutaneous T-cell lymphomas that are often challenging to manage given the absence of reliably curative therapies, at times high symptom burden with significant detriment to quality of life, and need for ongoing treatment for disease and symptom control. Recent developments in skin-directed treatments include optimizing the use of existing topical therapies, the introduction of known dermatological agents and treatment modalities for the specific treatment of MF/SS (such as mechlorethamine gel, calcineurin inhibitor creams, and photodynamic therapy), and novel local and topical agents. For advanced disease, dedicated clinical trials have translated to exciting progress, leading to the approval of brentuximab vedotin (2017) and mogamulizumab (2018) for relapsed MF/SS. Additional studies of other active systemic agents, including various cellular therapies, represent further attempts to add to the therapeutic armamentarium in treating MF/SS. In this review, we highlight these recent advancements, ranging from optimization of skin-directed therapies to the introduction of novel systemic agents. We focus on therapies approved in the preceding five years or under investigation in advanced-phase clinical trials.

A promising natural anthraquinones mediated by photodynamic therapy for anti-cancer therapy

BACKGROUND

Experimental studies emphasize the therapeutic potential of plant-derived photosensitizers used in photodynamic therapy. Moreover, several in vitro and in vivo research present the promising roles of less-known anthraquinones that can selectively target cancer cells and eliminate them after light irradiation. This literature review summarizes the current knowledge of chosen plant-based-photosensitizers in PDT to show the results of emodin, aloe-emodin, parietin, rubiadin, hypericin, and soranjidiol in photodynamic therapy of cancer treatment and describe the comprehensive perspective of their role as natural photosensitizers.

METHODS

Literature searches of chosen anthraquinones were conducted on PubMed.gov with keywords: "emodin", "aloe-emodin", "hypericin", "parietin", "rubiadin", "soranjidiol" with "cancer" and "photodynamic therapy".

RESULTS

According to literature data, this review concentrated on all existing in vitro and in vivo studies of emodin, aloe-emodin, parietin, rubiadin, soranjidiol used as natural photosensitizers emphasizing their effectiveness and detailed mechanism of action in anticancer therapy. Moreover, comprehensive preclinical and clinical studies on hypericin reveal that the above-described substances may be included in the phototoxic treatment of different cancers.

CONCLUSIONS

Overall, this review presented less-known anthraquinones with their promising molecular mechanisms of action. It is expected that in the future they may be used as natural PSs in cancer treatment as well as hypericin.

Spotlight on porphyrins: Classifications, mechanisms and medical applications

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) and sonodynamic therapy (SDT) are non-invasive treatment methods with obvious inhibitory effect on tumors and have few side effects, which have been widely concerned and explored by researchers. Sensitizer is the main factor in determining the therapeutic effect of PDT and SDT. Porphyrins, a group of organic compounds widespread in nature, can be activated by light or ultrasound and produce reactive oxygen species. Therefore, porphyrins as sensitizers in PDT have been widely explored and investigated for many years. Herein, we summarize the classical porphyrin compounds and their applications and mechanisms in PDT and SDT. The application of porphyrin in clinical diagnosis and imaging is also discussed. In conclusion, porphyrins have good application prospects in disease treatment as an important part of PDT or SDT, and in clinical diagnosis and imaging.

An Update on Recent Advances of Photodynamic Therapy for Primary Cutaneous Lymphomas

Primary cutaneous lymphomas are rare non-Hodgkin lymphomas consisting of heterogeneous disease entities. Photodynamic therapy (PDT) utilizing photosensitizers irradiated with a specific wavelength of light in the presence of oxygen exerts promising anti-tumor effects on non-melanoma skin cancer, yet its application in primary cutaneous lymphomas remains less recognized. Despite many in vitro data showing PDT could effectively kill lymphoma cells, clinical evidence of PDT against primary cutaneous lymphomas is limited. Recently, a phase 3 "FLASH" randomized clinical trial demonstrated the efficacy of topical hypericin PDT for early-stage cutaneous T-cell lymphoma. An update on recent advances of photodynamic therapy in primary cutaneous lymphomas is provided.

Hypericin: A natural anthraquinone as promising therapeutic agent

BACKGROUND

Hypericin is a prominent secondary metabolite mainly existing in genus Hypericum. It has become a research focus for a quiet long time owing to its extensively pharmacological activities especially the anti-cancer, anti-bacterial, anti-viral and neuroprotective effects. This review concentrated on summarizing and analyzing the existing studies of hypericin in a comprehensive perspective.

METHODS

The literature with desired information about hypericin published after 2010 was gained from electronic databases including PubMed, SciFinder, Science Direct, Web of Science, China National Knowledge Infrastructure databases and Wan Fang DATA.

RESULTS

According to extensive preclinical and clinical studies conducted on the hypericin, an organized and comprehensive summary of the natural and artificial sources, strategies for improving the bioactivities, pharmacological activities, drug combination of hypericin was presented to explore the future therapeutic potential of this active compound.

CONCLUSIONS

Overall, this review offered a theoretical guidance for the follow-up research of hypericin. However, the pharmacological mechanisms, pharmacokinetics and structure activity relationship of hypericin should be further studied in future research.

Harnessing the immune system in the treatment of cutaneous T cell lymphomas

Cutaneous T cell lymphomas are a rare subset of non-Hodgkin's lymphomas with predilection for the skin with immunosuppressive effects that drive morbidity and mortality. We are now appreciating that suppression of the immune system is an important step in the progression of disease. It should come as no surprise that therapies historically and currently being used to treat these cancers have immune modulating functions that impact disease outcomes. By understanding the immune effects of our therapies, we may better develop new agents that target the immune system and improve combinatorial treatment strategies to limit morbidity and mortality of these cancers. The immune modulating effect of therapeutic drugs in use and under development for cutaneous T cell lymphomas will be reviewed.

Acne Vulgaris-Novel Treatment Options and Factors Affecting Therapy Adherence: A Narrative Review

Acne vulgaris is an extremely common skin condition, affecting a large population of adolescents, but at the same time, remaining a quite common issue in the group of adult patients. Its complex pathogenesis includes increased sebum secretion, impaired follicular keratinization, colonization of sebaceous glands with Cutibacterium acne bacteria, and the development of inflammation in pilosebaceous units. Although there are many methods of treatment available targeting the mechanisms mentioned above, a large percentage of patients remain undertreated or non-compliant with treatment. Ineffective treatment results in the formation of acne scars, which has a major impact on the well-being and quality of life of the patients. The aim of this publication was a review of available evidence on widely used and novel methods of topical and systemic treatment of acne, additionally including current literature-based analysis of factors affecting patients' compliance. The strengths and limitations of novel substances for treating acne were discussed. We conclude that an effective acne treatment remains a challenge. A better understanding of current treatment options and factors affecting patients' compliance could be a helpful tool in choosing a proper treatment option.