Call for papers - Photodynamic therapy for cancer

Guest Editors

Timothy Baran, PhD, University of Rochester, USA
Luis Exequiel Ibarra, PhD, National University of Río Cuarto, CONICET, Argentina

Submission Status: Open | Submission Deadline: 12 December 2025

BMC Cancer is calling for submissions to our Collection on "Photodynamic therapy for cancer." This Collection aims to showcase innovative research on photodynamic therapy for cancer, focusing on the development of novel photosensitizers, mechanisms of action, and clinical applications. We invite researchers to contribute studies that explore the potential of photodynamic therapy (PDT) as an effective cancer treatment, its combination with other therapies, and advancements in technology and methodologies that enhance its efficacy and safety in oncological practice.

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Meet the Guest Editors

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Timothy Baran, PhD, University of Rochester, USA

Dr Timothy Baran received his BS degree in Electrical and Computer & Systems Engineering from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute and his PhD in Optics from the University of Rochester. He is currently an Assistant Professor of Imaging Sciences and Biomedical Engineering at the University of Rochester, with a secondary appointment in the Institute of Optics. His research interests include photodynamic therapy, diffuse optical spectroscopy, and medical image processing.

Luis Exequiel Ibarra, PhD, National University of Río Cuarto, CONICET, Argentina

Dr Luis Ibarra is an Associate Professor in the Department of Molecular Biology at the National University of Río Cuarto (UNRC) in Argentina and an Associate Researcher with CONICET. He earned his degree in Veterinary Medicine in 2010 and completed his PhD in Science and Technology at UNRC (2011–2015), specializing in tumor biology and nanomedicine. Dr Ibarra has developed extensive expertise in the management of eukaryotic cell cultures for preclinical bioassays, focusing on evaluating nanomaterial-based drugs for antitumor therapies, particularly photo-assisted treatments. He is highly skilled in creating and utilizing experimental models of neoplastic diseases in laboratory animals, including conducting detailed preclinical studies on biodistribution and systemic toxicity of nanoformulations. Currently, Dr Ibarra’s work focuses on the development and preclinical evaluation of nanotechnology-based systems for targeting brain tumors, contributing to innovative strategies in cancer therapy.

About the Collection

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is a two-stage treatment that utilizes light-sensitive compounds known as photosensitizers to induce cytotoxic effects on tumor cells. When activated by specific wavelengths of light, these agents generate reactive oxygen species that target and destroy cancerous tissue while sparing surrounding healthy cells. Because it is minimally invasive, PDT has been gaining traction as an option for various cancer types, including skin, breast, and lung cancers.

Recent advances in this field have led to improved treatment protocols, including combination therapies that synergize PDT with chemotherapy or immunotherapy (photo-immunotherapy). Research is also expanding the applications of PDT to include not only tumor ablation but also its potential use in the treatment of precancerous lesions and as a palliative measure for symptom relief in advanced cancers. Furthermore, development of novel photosensitizers and advanced light delivery methods has been instrumental in enhancing the efficacy and safety of PDT and novel drug delivery systems like nanoparticles and liposomes are also being explored to improve the selectivity of photosensitizers.

Despite its promise, PDT faces challenges such as depth penetration limitations, the selectivity of photosensitizers, and tumor resistance mechanisms. Addressing these issues, along with reducing side effects like skin sensitivity, remains a key focus of ongoing research.

This Collection invites contributions that address both the current landscape and future directions in PDT for cancer treatment. Topics include, but are not limited to:

Novel photosensitizers in photodynamic therapy
Mechanisms of phototoxicity and resistance in cancer treatment
Tumor microenvironment factors influencing PDT efficacy
Combination therapies involving PDT: photo-immunotherapy and other modalities
Advances in imaging techniques for monitoring of PDT
Study protocol and clinical trials of PDT in various cancer types
Personalized and targeted approaches in PDT
Challenges and limitations of PDT in clinical settings
Regulatory considerations for PDT-based therapies

All manuscripts submitted to this journal, including those submitted to collections and special issues, are assessed in line with our editorial policies and the journal’s peer review process. Reviewers and editors are required to declare competing interests and can be excluded from the peer review process if a competing interest exists.

There are currently no articles in this collection.

Submission Guidelines

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This Collection welcomes submission of original Research Articles. Should you wish to submit a different article type, please read our submission guidelines to confirm that type is accepted by the journal. Articles for this Collection should be submitted via our submission system, Snapp. During the submission process you will be asked whether you are submitting to a Collection, please select "Photodynamic therapy for cancer" from the dropdown menu.

All manuscripts submitted to this journal, including those submitted to collections and special issues, are assessed in line with our editorial policies and the journal’s peer review process. Reviewers and editors are required to declare competing interests and can be excluded from the peer review process if a competing interest exists.