Table 4. List of studies utilizing photodynamic therapy (PDT) for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).
| Study | Year | Type | N | Technique | Aim | Outcomes | Survival | Adverse events |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tang et al. (131) | 2010 | In vitro | NA | The underlying action mechanism of Pa-PDT was systemically investigated with a human hepatoma cell line HepG2 | To study and evaluate the immunomodulatory effects of pheophorbide a | Pa-PDT significantly inhibited the growth of HepG2 cells. First evidence that Pa-PDT can trigger both apoptosis and cancer immunity in the tumor host | NA | NA |
| Bahng et al. (142) | 2013 | Prospective observational pilot | 11 | PDT with biliary drainage with plastic stent [5] and uncovered metal stent [6] | To assess the safety and efficacy of PDT in unresectable HCC with bile duct invasion | PDT is an effective alternative treatment option for HCC with bile duct invasion especially complicated by hemobilia | Longer and more effective relief of the biliary obstruction can prolong survival | Cholangitis [6], hemobilia [3] |
| Mirzaei et al. (143) | 2015 | In vitro | NA | Evaluated human liver cancer cells (HepG2) and normal liver cells (HFLF-PI4) for cell viability using the standard 2-(4, 5-dimethyl-2-thiazolyl)-3,5-diphenyl-2H-tetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay | To determine in vitro efficacy of Radachlorin-based PDT (Radachlorin-PDT) on human hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) | PDT with Radachlorin can be effective in the treatment of HCC | NA | NA |
| Chang et al. (144) | 2014 | In vitro and In vivo | NA | In vitro phototoxicity in HepG2 (human hepatocellular carcinoma) cells and in vivo anticancer efficacy in HepG2 tumor-bearing mice of free HP and HP-NPs were evaluated | To develop an effective co-delivery system of photosensitizers and anticancer drugs | HP-NPs were more efficient than free HP under the same laser irradiation conditions | NA | NA |
| Shirata et al. (145) | 2017 | In vitro and In vivo | NA | HuH-7 (a well-differentiated hepatocellular carcinoma cell line) cells and male mice | To investigate the mechanisms underlying the anti-tumor effect of ICG-NIR therapy | Apoptosis of HCC cells after ICG-NIR therapy is mediated by photothermal effect and oxidative stress induced by PDT, both in vitro and in vivo. The major advantage of ICG-NIR therapy is its high selectivity for HCC tissues | NA | NA |
NA, not available; Pa-PDT, Pheophorbide-a PDT; HP-NPs, hematoporphyrin-modified doxorubicin-loaded nanoparticles; ICG-NIR, indocyanine green near-infrared.