Modified nanoscale metal organic framework-based nanoplatforms in photodynamic therapy and further applications

[Display omitted] •Modified nanoscale metal-organic frameworks (nMOFs) used in cancer photodynamic therapy are highlighted.•Different modifications on nMOFs may overcome drawbacks of photodynamic therapy.•Synergistic applications of nMOFs with other therapeutic modalities.•The challenges and future in nMOFs in cancer photodynamic therapy are discussed. Photodynamic therapy (PDT) has emerged as a modality in cancer treatment because it is less invasive and highly selective compared with conventional chemotherapy and radiation therapy. Nanoscale metal organic frameworks (nMOFs) have exhibited great potential for use in constructing nanoplatforms for improved PDT because of their unique structural advantages such as large surface areas, high porosities, tunable compositions and various other modifications. The large majority of current nMOF-based systems employ specific modifying groups to overcome the deficiencies previously observed when using older nMOFs in PDT. In this review, we summarize modifications to these systems such as enhancing singlet oxygen generation by introducing photoactive agents, alleviating tumor hypoxia and engineering active targeting abilities. The applications of MOF-based nanoparticles in synergistic cancer therapies that include PDT, as well as in theranostics are also discussed. Finally, we discuss some of the challenges faced in this field and the future prospects for the use of nMOFs in PDT.