Porphyrin-based metal–organic frameworks in drug delivery for cancer therapy: promises, advances and prospects

Abstract Porphyrin-based metal–organic frameworks can encapsulate various therapeutic agents and their unique structural properties. These two features have led to the use of these materials as drug delivery for cancer treatment. Due to the porous nature of MOFs, the controlled release of the drug is associated with minimizing systemic toxicity and increasing the effectiveness of treatment. In addition, this type of MOF takes advantage of the ability to absorb light and produce reactive oxygen species, which is an inherent characteristic of porphyrins, in photodynamic therapy (PDT). Of course, due to the recent developments observed in the methods of production and modification of MOFs, Multifunctional substrates (combining photodynamic therapy with techniques such as immunotherapy or chemotherapy) to overcome the limitations of common cancer treatments have been created individually. The surface performance and structure of these adaptive materials are high. This feature makes it possible to target a population of all types of cancers for treatment. In other words, there is also the possibility of customizing these compounds. The possibility of imaging in porphyrin-based MOF leads to real-time monitoring of treatment results and personalization of treatment strategies.