Overview
Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is a two-stage treatment that combines light energy with a drug (photosensitizer) designed to destroy cancerous and precancerous cells after light activation. Photosensitizers are activated by a specific wavelength of light energy, usually from a laser. The photosensitizer is nontoxic until it is activated by light. However, after light activation, the photosensitizer becomes toxic to the targeted tissue.
Several photosensitizer drugs are available today to treat a variety of diseases, including acne, psoriasis, age-related macular degeneration, and several cancers, such as skin, lung, brain, bladder, pancreas, bile duct, esophagus, and head and neck. Specialists with Parkview Physicians Group Pulmonary and Critical Care may use this therapy to treat lung cancer and pulmonary diseases of the lung.
In addition to treating these conditions, PDT also helps treat bacterial, fungal and viral infections. Studies have shown that this light-based therapy can trigger the body's immune response, giving your body another means to help destroy cancerous and precancerous cells.
Photosensitizers will make the skin and eyes sensitive to light for about six weeks after treatment. So, people who have PDT need to avoid direct sunlight and bright indoor lights.