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Photodynamic Therapy (PDT)

Overview :

Photodynamic Therapy (PDT) is a minimally invasive, two-step treatment combining light-sensitive medication and specific light energy to target and destroy abnormal cells, such as precancerous or cancerous tissues. It is also effective for certain skin, eye, and immune-related conditions, as well as bacterial, viral, and fungal infections.

Alternate Name for Photocoagulation

Photoradiation Therapy, Phototherapy, Photochemotherapy.

Body Location

Anywhere on the body, depending on the condition being treated.

Types of PDT

Minimally invasive techniques tailored to the condition’s type, location, and severity.

Preparation for PDT :

  • Initial Steps: Diagnostic tests to identify the affected area.
  • Medication: Light-sensitive drugs (photosensitizers) are administered as creams, tablets, or injections, depending on the targeted area.
  • Time for Effectiveness: Patients return after a few hours or days for the treatment, allowing the drug to concentrate in abnormal tissues.

Procedure

  1. Medication: Photosensitizers are administered in a form suitable to the condition (oral, topical, or injected).
  2. Light Activation: A specific wavelength of light is applied to the affected area. For internal conditions, light is directed via endoscopy.
  3. Cell Destruction: The activated drug destroys abnormal cells without harming surrounding tissues.

Follow-Up After PDT

  • Care Instructions: Treated skin areas are covered with dressing for 1-2 days to protect them. Keep the area clean and dry.
  • Long-Term Care: Follow-up visits assess treatment effectiveness and determine the need for additional sessions.

Risks of PDT

General Skin Risks:

  • Swelling, redness, itching, or burning.
  • Skin discoloration or sensitivity to light.

Specific Organ Risks:

  • Esophagus: Nausea, vomiting, swallowing issues, throat irritation, or fever.
  • Lungs: Coughing, difficulty breathing, fever, or infection.

Recovery

  • Timeframe: Most patients recover within a day. Soreness or redness may occur in treated areas.
  • Common Side Effects: Temporary swelling, redness, blisters, or heightened sensitivity to sunlight.

Applications of PDT

  • Treats various cancers, including skin, lung, esophageal, pancreatic, brain, and bladder cancer.
  • Manages precancerous conditions, skin disorders, acne, and age-related macular degeneration.

FAQ

  1. What are PDT’s primary medical applications?
    PDT treats cancers, precancerous growths, acne, and certain eye diseases like macular degeneration.

  2. What are the three essential components of PDT?
    A light-sensitive drug, a specific wavelength of light, and oxygen work together to destroy abnormal cells.

  3. What chemicals are commonly used in PDT?
    Photosensitizers like aminolevulinic acid (ALA) and methyl aminolevulinate (MAL) are commonly used.

  4. How long does recovery take after PDT?
    Healing varies but usually takes a few days to weeks, depending on the condition and location.

  5. Are PDT results permanent?
    PDT provides long-term benefits for some conditions, like skin cancer. For others, such as acne, multiple sessions may be needed.

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