Figure 7. Various cell death pathways modulated by PDT.

The PS are taken up by the malignant cells and populate in various organelles like mitochondria and the endoplasmic reticulum. Light of suitable wavelength activates the PS which in turn causes release of cytochrome C from the mitochondria; leading to the activation of the caspase cascade. Pro-apoptotic factors like p53 are activated, thus inducing apoptosis. Formation of ROS may also lead to necrosis or autophagy. As shown earlier, the Hippo signaling pathway can be inhibited leading to inhibition in cell growth.