Enzyme-responsive design combined with photodynamic therapy for cancer treatment

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is a noninvasive cancer treatment that has garnered significant attention in recent years. However, its application is still hampered by certain limitations, such as the hydrophobicity and low targeting of photosensitizers (PSs) and the hypoxia of the tumor microenvironment. Nevertheless, the fusion of enzyme-responsive drugs with PDT offers novel solutions to overcome these challenges. Utilizing the attributes of enzyme-responsive drugs, PDT can deliver PSs to the target site and selectively release them, thereby enhancing therapeutic outcomes. In this review, we spotlight recent advances in enzyme-responsive materials for cancer treatment and primarily delineate their application in combination with PDT.