What product is primarily used to target cancerous tissues in VTP therapy?

In Vascular Targeted Photodynamic (VTP) therapy, the primary role is played by a photosensitizing agent. This agent is specifically designed to accumulate in malignant tissues and, when activated by light of a certain wavelength, produces reactive oxygen species that selectively destroy cancerous cells. The targeted nature of the photosensitizing agent allows for the minimization of damage to surrounding healthy tissues while effectively treating the tumor.

This approach utilizes the unique properties of tumor vasculature, as cancer cells often exhibit abnormal blood vessel formation that facilitates the selective uptake of the photosensitizer. Upon activation with light, the agent triggers a photochemical reaction that leads to localized cell death and can induce an immune response against the tumor.

In contrast to immunotherapy agents, chemotherapeutic drugs, and anti-inflammatory medications, which have broader systemic effects and may not specifically target the tumor environment in the same manner, the photosensitizing agent in VTP therapy is distinctly designed for this purpose, making it a central component in the treatment strategy for localized cancers.