Photodynamic Therapy (PDT): A Comprehensive Guide

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) uses photosensitizing drugs and a red laser to kill cancerous or near-cancerous cells. PDT is known to treat these conditions as effectively as surgery or radiation therapies, depending on the circumstances. There are no long-term side effects when the treatment is properly administered, the treatments can be repeated numerous times, and there is little to no scarring at the treatment site. But PDT is effective only for growths close enough to the skin surface that the laser light can reach them.

Instructions

• 1

  Ask your doctor if you have a condition that can be treated with PDT. Common illnesses PDT is used to treat include lung cancer, esophageal cancer and some skin cancers.

• 2

  Confirm that you are not allergic to porphyrins. If you are, you will not be able to take the drugs required for an effective PDT treatment. Your doctor can run a simple allergy test to check this.

• 3

  Equip your home with adequate shades and blinds to keep bright light from entering your home. Your body will be sensitive to strong light--both sunlight and artificial--and you will need to protect your body from any damaging rays.

• 4

  Begin taking treatments as administered by a doctor. You will receive the photosensitizing drug either through an IV or by direct application to the skin, depending on the specific drug brand you are taking. Photofrin, the drug most commonly used in PDT, is administered intravenously. Your doctor will then activate the drug using a laser.

• 5

  Call your doctor immediately if your skin has a reaction to light during the treatment process. A reaction similar to a bad sunburn will appear on your skin . It will swell, and some blistering may occur.