Fluorescence and Photomedicine for Gynecologic Malignancies

Gynecologic malignancies—including cancers of the ovary, cervix, uterus, vulva, and vagina—remain a significant global health concern, often presenting diagnostic and therapeutic challenges. With the rapid advancement of biomedical technology, fluorescence and photomedicine are emerging as transformative approaches in the detection, imaging, and targeted treatment of these cancers. These approaches are enabled by advances in optical hardware, contrast agents, and computational imaging that together improve sensitivity, specificity, and workflow in both outpatient and operative settings.This research topic aims to explore the innovative applications of fluorescence-based imaging and photomedical interventions—such as photodynamic therapy (PDT) and photoimmunotherapy—in the management of gynecologic malignancies. Key technology drivers include tumor-targeted fluorescent contrast agents (e.g., ligand-, antibody-, peptide-, or small-molecule–based probes), activatable “smart” probes that fluoresce only in the tumor microenvironment, and clinically compatible near-infrared (NIR/NIR-II) fluorophores designed to improve tissue penetration and signal-to-background ratios. Fluorescence techniques allow for real-time, highly sensitive visualization of tumors and surgical margins, potentially enhancing detection and improving surgical outcomes. Relevant imaging platforms span wide-field fluorescence laparoscopes and robotic systems, handheld and head-mounted devices, and endoscopic/vaginoscopic fluorescence imaging, as well as emerging methods such as fluorescence lifetime imaging (FLIM) and hyperspectral imaging for improved tissue classification.Photomedicine offers targeted therapies that harness light-activated agents to selectively destroy cancerous cells while sparing healthy tissue. This includes not only PDT with established photosensitizers and next-generation formulations, but also photothermal therapy (PTT), light-triggered drug release (photoresponsive nanoparticles, liposomes, and hydrogels), and combination regimens designed to amplify antitumor immunity. Enabling light-delivery technologies—such as fiber-based diffusers, intracavitary and interstitial applicators, laparoscopic light sources, and dosimetry systems that quantify delivered fluence and oxygen availability—are central to reproducible, safe treatment.We welcome cutting-edge research, clinical trials, and comprehensive reviews addressing (but not limited to):• Novel fluorescent probes and imaging systems for gynecologic cancer detection, including targeted probes for biomarkers relevant to gynecologic malignancies (e.g., folate receptor alpha, EGFR, HER2, VEGF-related targets, integrins) and studies of pharmacokinetics, biodistribution, and safety• Advances in intraoperative fluorescence-guided surgery, including quantitative fluorescence, calibration/standardization, and real-time decision support• Efficacy and safety of photodynamic therapy and other photomedical treatments, including comparative studies of photosensitizers and optimization of illumination parameters (wavelength, irradiance, fractionation, and scheduling)• Integration of fluorescence and photomedicine with other diagnostic or therapeutic modalities, including multimodal optical approaches and AI-enabled image analysis and multimodal fusion• Challenges in clinical translation and future perspectives, including regulatory pathways, standardized reporting of optical parameters, implementation considerations, and equitable accessBy fostering interdisciplinary discussion between clinicians, researchers, and industry professionals, this topic seeks to accelerate the development and adoption of fluorescence and photomedicine in gynecologic oncology—ultimately aiming to improve patient outcomes and quality of life. We particularly encourage submissions that connect technological innovation to clinical decision-making and report performance using clinically meaningful endpoints such as margin status, residual disease detection, recurrence risk, safety, and patient-reported outcomes.Topic Editors, Dr. Dana Roque and Dr. Jiefu Jin, have declared they have no competing interests with relation to this topic themePlease note: Manuscripts consisting solely of bioinformatics, computational analysis, or predictions of public databases which are not accompanied by validation (independent clinical or patient cohort, or biological validation in vitro or in vivo, which are not based on public databases) are not suitable for publication in this journal. Topic editors: Dana Marie Roque, Jiefu Jin, Huang Chiao Huang Source: https://www.frontiersin.org/research-topics/76565/fluorescence-and-photomedicine-for-gynecologic-malignancies