Photodynamic therapy (PDT)

Overview

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) targets and destroys harmful cells, including cancer cells, by using drugs known as photosensitizers. When exposed to light, these drugs trigger a chemical reaction that effectively destroys the harmful cells.

Reasons for undergoing the procedure

Healthcare providers utilize PDT to treat a variety of medical conditions, including skin disorders, various types of cancer, and certain noncancerous conditions.

Photodynamic therapy for skin conditions

Photodynamic therapy may be suggested by doctors for:

• Vitiligo.
• Psoriasis.
• Actinic keratosis.

Photodynamic therapy for cancer

PDT is also employed in the treatment of numerous cancer kinds. Your doctor might suggest photodynamic treatment in the following cases:

• Skin cancer.
• Brain cancer.
• Head and neck cancer.
• Esophageal cancer.
• Barrett’s esophagus, a condition where the cells at the base of your esophagus are injured.
• Lung cancer.
• Bladder cancer.
• Bile duct cancer.
• Pancreatic cancer.

Photodynamic therapy for noncancerous conditions

PDT may be used to treat certain noncancerous diseases, including:

• Gastritis.
• Urinary tract infections.
• Acute sinusitis.
• Gum disease.
• Corneal infections.

Risks

PDT has the potential to cause negative effects, just like any medical procedure. Both good and unhealthy cells are impacted by photosensitizing drugs, which increases your sensitivity to light long after your treatment is finished. For up to three months following your surgery, you may have increased light sensitivity in your skin and eyes.

Other PDT adverse effects that could occur include:

• Inflammation at or close to the treated skin area.
• Skin discoloration.
• Blisters, crusts, or scales on your skin that are being treated.
• Stinging, burning, or itching.
• Skin infections.

Your side effects could include the following if you have PDT to your esophagus:

• Trouble with swallowing.
• Vomiting
• Nauseous.
• Your esophagus becoming narrower or scarring.
• Dehydration.
• Hiccups.
• High body temperature (fever).

PDT poses the following risks to patients with non-small cell lung cancer:

• Breathing difficulty.
• High body temperature (fever).
• Infections such as bronchitis or pneumonia.
• Coughing with blood.

During the procedure

During treatment, your doctor administers a photosensitizer. Depending on the location of the target area in your body, this medication may be given orally, intravenously, or applied directly to your skin. The photosensitizing drugs accumulate in cancerous and unhealthy cells, making them more sensitive to light.

After the photosensitizer is administered, your doctor directs a special light at the treatment area. Depending on the specific photosensitizer used, this could involve low-power red laser light, blue light, or natural sunlight. If the target area is in your throat, airways, or lungs, your doctor will use an endoscope (a thin, flexible tube) to deliver light directly to the cells inside your body. When exposed to light, the photosensitizer reacts with oxygen, triggering a chemical reaction that destroys the unhealthy cells.

You may need additional photodynamic therapy sessions as required. Your doctor will determine if and when further PDT is necessary.

The size of the targeted area affects how long a treatment takes. PDT therapy sessions typically last between fifteen and ninety minutes.

After the procedure

Your particular situation will determine the outcome. The photosensitizing chemical is absorbed by all the cells in your body; however, aberrant cells retain the substance longer than healthy cells do. In unhealthy cells, certain photosensitizing chemicals instantly begin to accumulate. Others take hours or even days to accumulate to significant enough levels to require treatment. The photosensitizing agent your doctor prescribes will determine your treatment plan, including how many treatments you receive and how often you receive them.

Outcome

Depending on the area of your body being treated, it typically takes two to six weeks for your body to heal completely after PDT.

After PDT, most individuals are able to continue their usual activities. Certain individuals require additional measures to safeguard their skin and promote healing in the treated region.

To assist protect your skin, your doctor can advise covering the treatment area. Depending on the type of photosensitizer your doctor prescribes, you might need to temporarily alter your way of living. These modifications to lifestyle could involve:

• Remaining indoors.
• Steer clear of intense, bright, or direct interior lighting.
• Keeping out of direct sunlight by donning caps and protective apparel.
• Remaining away from areas like beaches where light can reflect.
• Avoid using helmet-style hair dryers.
• Avoid using intense reading or examination lamps.

PDT treatments for skin disorders typically yield semi-permanent benefits that last for several months. According to research, PDT can sometimes be equally as effective in treating cancer as chemotherapy or radiation therapy. The sort of cancer you have, where it is located, and how well you respond to treatment are some of the variables that will determine whether you require additional treatments.