The Efficacy of Curcumin-Mediated Photodynamic Therapy in the Treatment of Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma: A Systematic Review of In Vitro Studies

Abstract

Curcumin-mediated photodynamic therapy (PDT) has emerged as a promising approach for targeting oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC), a malignancy with a rising incidence. This systematic review synthesizes evidence from in vitro studies evaluating the anticancer efficacy of curcumin as a photosensitizer in PDT against OSCC cells. A comprehensive literature search across four databases identified eight eligible studies published between 2009 and 2024. The findings demonstrated that curcumin-PDT reduces OSCC cell viability, induces apoptosis, and impairs metabolic activity, particularly when curcumin is delivered via nanocarriers and activated with light sources near its absorption peak (430–457 nm). Despite methodological heterogeneity across cell lines, curcumin formulations, and light parameters, the photodynamic effects were reproducible and showed low dark toxicity. However, the lack of standardized protocols and absence of in vivo or clinical validation limit translational potential. Further preclinical research is needed to optimize treatment conditions and assess safety and efficacy in biological systems that more closely resemble the clinical environment.

Keywords

• curcumin
• oral squamous cell carcinoma
• photodynamic therapy
• systematic review