Laser-Free Photosensitive Systems in Cancer Therapy: A Comprehensive Review

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) involves the use of photosensitizers (PSs) that, upon activation by specific wavelengths of light, generate reactive oxygen species (ROS), including singlet oxygen (¹O₂) and hydroxyl radicals (·OH), within the targeted tissue, typically tumor cells. The generated ROS induce cellular damage, disrupt cellular processes, and ultimately lead to apoptosis or necrosis of the tumor cells. However, the clinical application of PDT is significantly hindered by the limited tissue penetration ability of light. To address this limitation, laser-free self-luminescent photosensitive systems have emerged as potential solutions for achieving deep-tissue PDT and imaging. This review provides a comprehensive analysis of various laser-independent photosensitive systems, with a particular emphasis on those based on resonance energy transfer (RET), chemically induced electron exchange luminescence (CIEEL) and Cherenkov radiation energy transfer (CRET). The aim of this review is to offer a theoretical framework for the development of novel photodynamic systems and to reassess the application potential of certain previously overlooked photosensitizers (PSs).