Organic Radicals for Tumor Therapy

Langmuir. 2026 Jan 13;42(1):78-92. doi: 10.1021/acs.langmuir.5c05143. Epub 2025 Dec 25.

Abstract

Organic radical materials have emerged as promising candidates for tumor therapy, owing to their distinctive open-shell electronic structures and superior photophysical characteristics. Through chemical modifications and nanotechnological approaches, these materials have paved the way for precision medicine, showcasing robust spin-coupling phenomena and near-infrared light absorption properties. Leveraging these attributes, organic radicals have demonstrated enhanced therapeutic outcomes in photothermal therapy, photodynamic therapy, and other novel modalities. This review provides an overview of the applications of organic radicals in tumor therapy and also highlights existing hurdles and future prospects of organic radicals in cancer treatment.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Antineoplastic Agents* / chemistry
  • Antineoplastic Agents* / pharmacology
  • Antineoplastic Agents* / therapeutic use
  • Free Radicals / chemistry
  • Free Radicals / pharmacology
  • Free Radicals / therapeutic use
  • Humans
  • Neoplasms* / drug therapy
  • Neoplasms* / therapy
  • Photochemotherapy

Substances

  • Free Radicals
  • Antineoplastic Agents