Update of Photodynamic Therapy and Sonodynamic Therapy in Treating Rheumatoid Arthritis

doi:10.37015/AUDT.2025.240024

Abstract

Abstract:

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) stands as a prevalent chronic autoimmune condition globally. Although conventional disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) offer relief from systemic inflammation, they frequently entail undesirable side effects. Phototherapy, encompassing both photodynamic therapy (PDT) and sonodynamic therapy (SDT), employs light and low-frequency ultrasound irradiation to generate reactive oxygen species (ROS), thereby inducing apoptosis in RA inflammatory cells and reducing cytokine expression. This approach presents a promising alternative for RA management. Recently, a range of nanomaterials that induce PDT or SDT have been developed, yielding promising outcomes in arthritis suppression. This review outlines the latest advancements in PDT/SDT-based nanomedicine for RA treatment.

Key words: Rheumatoid arthritis; Photodynamic therapy; Sonodynamic therapy; Nanomedicine

Zhao Chenyang, Sun Desheng, Tan Li, Chen Xiangmei. Update of Photodynamic Therapy and Sonodynamic Therapy in Treating Rheumatoid Arthritis. Advanced Ultrasound in Diagnosis and Therapy, 2025, 9(2): 138-145.

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