Beyond chemotherapy: the evolving role of photodynamic therapy in triple-negative breast cancer.

Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is an aggressive subtype of breast cancer lacking estrogen, progesterone, and HER2 receptors, making it unresponsive to targeted hormonal or HER2-based therapies. Photodynamic therapy (PDT) has emerged as a promising approach capable of inducing localized cytotoxicity, disrupting tumor vasculature, and stimulating anti-tumor immunity through the generation of reactive oxygen species. This review explores the diverse therapeutic applications of PDT in TNBC models. We categorize and summarize primary studies by photosensitizer class-porphyrins, chlorins, phthalocyanines, and novel nanotechnology-formulated agents-discussing delivery strategies, combination regimens, and mechanisms of cell death, including apoptosis, autophagy, and pyroptosis. Furthermore, we examine innovative approaches such as photoimmunotherapy, metabolic co-targeting, and self-activating systems. PDT's ability to employ multiple tumor vulnerabilities offers a unique therapeutic opportunity in TNBC. Continued translational research and optimization of delivery platforms may accelerate the integration of this approach into clinical practice.