ÚNKP(ÚNKP-20-5) Támogató: Innovációs és Technológiai Minisztérium
Cancer chemotherapy is affected by a modest selectivity and toxic side effects of
pharmacological interventions. Among novel approaches to overcome this limitation
and to bring to therapy more potent and selective agents is the use of light for selective
activation of anticancer compounds. In this review, we focus on the anticancer applications
of two light-activated approaches still in the experimental phase: photoremovable
protecting groups (“photocages”) and photoswitches. We describe the structural considerations
behind the development of novel compounds and the plethora of assays used to confirm
whether the photochemical and pharmacological properties are meeting the stringent
criteria for an efficient in vivo light-dependent activation. Despite its immense
potential, light activation brings many challenges, and the complexity of the task
is very demanding. Currently, we are still deeply in the phase of pharmacological
tools, but the vivid research and rapid development bring the light of hope for potential
clinical use.