Evidence map›Paper›PMID 41447821›Full record

ReviewInternational dental journal2026

Nanoplatform-Enhanced Photodynamic Therapy in Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma: Advances and Future Directions.

Weiqian Zhang, Menglai Gan, Yu He, Wenbo Ma, Sai Liu, Dongjuan Liu

Abstract readReview
PubMed Full text at PMC Publisher
In one paragraph

Review in International dental journal, 2026. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Cited by 1 paper, 1 of them a synthesis that pooled it.

0numbers the graph read from it
0cells of the map it votes in
1citing papers in PubMed, 1 pooled it
–field-weighted citation impact
1 · What the graph read from it

What it found

Each row is one number read from the abstract, on the scale the paper reported it, with its interval. Left of the dashed line favours the treatment, right favours the comparator. Under each row is the sentence it came from. New to these charts? A ten-minute tutorial.

The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.

2 · The registry

The trial behind it

Trials whose registry record cites this paper, or whose number appears in the abstract. A trial that started after this paper was published is citing it as background, not reporting it.

Neither the registry nor the abstract names a trial number. If this is a trial report, that itself is worth knowing.

3 · Its place in the literature

Who cites it

1 citing paper in PubMed, 1 synthesis or guideline pooled it.

  1. Pooled it
4 · The record

Corrections and comments

PubMed lists nothing against this paper. Absence here is not a guarantee, only a check that was made.

5 · Who and what money

Authors and funding

6 authors.

Weiqian ZhangDepartment of Emergency and Oral Medicine, School and Hospital of Stomatology, China Medical University, Liaoning Provincial Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, Shenyang, Liaoning, China.
Menglai GanDepartment of Dental Materials, School and Hospital of Stomatology, China Medical University, Liaoning Provincial Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, Shenyang, Liaoning, China.
Yu HeDepartment of Emergency and Oral Medicine, School and Hospital of Stomatology, China Medical University, Liaoning Provincial Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, Shenyang, Liaoning, China.
Wenbo MaDepartment of Emergency and Oral Medicine, School and Hospital of Stomatology, China Medical University, Liaoning Provincial Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, Shenyang, Liaoning, China.
Sai LiuDepartment of Dental Materials, School and Hospital of Stomatology, China Medical University, Liaoning Provincial Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, Shenyang, Liaoning, China. Electronic address: liusai@cmu.edu.cn.
Dongjuan LiuDepartment of Emergency and Oral Medicine, School and Hospital of Stomatology, China Medical University, Liaoning Provincial Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, Shenyang, Liaoning, China. Electronic address: dongjuanliu@cmu.edu.cn.

Funding

No grant is acknowledged in the PubMed record.

6 · The paper itself

Abstract

INTRODUCTION AND

aimsPhotodynamic therapy (PDT) has become a promising treatment for head and neck squamous cell carcinoma over the past 25 years, with nanotechnology accelerating its development. This study aimed to systematically map research trends, thematic evolutions, and technological advances in nano-enhanced PDT for head and neck squamous cell carcinoma.

methodsA bibliometric and trend analysis was performed on 736 English-language publications from January 2000 to June 2025, sourced from the Web of Science Core Collection. CiteSpace/VOSviewer, BICOMB, gCLUTO, and related visualization tools were applied to analyse global research contributions, collaboration networks, keyword clusters, and technological breakthroughs.

resultsAnnual publications increased from fewer than 30 (2000-2011) to over 50 (2022-2025), with China, the United States, and the United Kingdom as leading contributors. International collaborations have become more multipolar over time. Three major thematic clusters emerged: (1) fundamental PDT mechanisms, (2) nano-enhanced delivery systems and modulation of the tumour microenvironment, and (3) multimodal combination therapies. Recent growth in publications has been driven by nanoplatforms employing passive and active tumour targeting, along with oxygen-generating strategies.

conclusionAlthough nano-enhanced PDT has achieved substantial preclinical progress, its clinical translation remains limited by manufacturing variability, regulatory uncertainty, and cost-effectiveness concerns. Progress will require well-designed multicentre trials, standardized nanomaterial characterization, and early incorporation of health-economic evaluation. By charting the integration of nanotechnology into PDT and identifying opportunities for synergistic and theranostic approaches, this research provides a structured reference to support future clinical translation. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Nano-enhanced PDT holds strong potential to improve treatment precision, reduce side effects, and address resistance in HNSCC, offering new strategies for both early-stage lesions and advanced tumours. By clarifying global research patterns and identifying key innovation areas, this study supports more effective clinical translation and evidence-based adoption of nano-enhanced PDT into head and neck cancer care pathways.

Indexed as

Head and Neck NeoplasmsNanotechnologyPhotochemotherapySquamous Cell Carcinoma of Head and NeckHumansPhotosensitizing AgentsTumor MicroenvironmentPhotosensitizing AgentsCancer therapyHead and neck squamous cell carcinomaNanotechnologyPhotodynamic therapyTumour microenvironment

Identifiers

PMID41447821
PMCPMC12800409

What OpenQuestion holds

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LicenceCC BY-NC-ND
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Registered trials

None linked

Read under generation 80e0d062 · epoch 390. Bibliography from PubMed, PubMed Central and OpenAlex; grants from NIH RePORTER; trial links from ClinicalTrials.gov; estimates, votes and beliefs from the OpenQuestion graph.