Photodynamic therapy uses light-activated drugs to destroy cancer cells while sparing the surrounding healthy tissue [1, 2].
This approach offers a minimally invasive alternative to traditional cancer treatments, potentially reducing the physical trauma and recovery time associated with invasive surgery [1].
Stephen Bown, founder of the National Medical Laser Centre, said the process is a revolutionary method for targeting tumors [1]. The treatment relies on a specific drug that remains inactive until it is triggered by a precise wavelength of light, which then kills the malignant cells [1, 2].
Recent data from the ENLIGHTED Phase 3 trial, with a data cut-off on April 20, 2026, highlights the efficacy of this method for low-grade upper tract urothelial carcinoma [2]. The trial included 82 patients [2]. Of those, 72 completed the primary response evaluation [2].
The results showed an overall response rate of 88% [2]. Specifically, the complete response rate was 70%, while the partial response rate stood at 18% [2]. These figures suggest a high level of success in eliminating or reducing the presence of the tumor using the non-thermal drug-activated padeliporfin vascular-targeted photodynamic therapy [2].
Long-term monitoring of the trial participants revealed limited failures in treatment efficacy. Disease recurrence was observed in eight% of the cases [2]. Additionally, disease progression was noted in four% of the patients [2].
Bown said these developments during an interview at The Royal Institution in London [1]. The focus remains on refining the delivery of light and the sensitivity of the drugs to ensure that the maximum number of cancer cells are destroyed without affecting the surrounding anatomy [1].
“Photodynamic therapy uses light-activated drugs to destroy cancer cells while sparing the surrounding healthy tissue.”
The high complete response rate in the ENLIGHTED trial suggests that photodynamic therapy could shift the standard of care for low-grade upper tract urothelial carcinoma. By targeting the vascular supply of tumors with light-activated drugs, clinicians may be able to achieve high efficacy with significantly lower morbidity than traditional surgical resections.
