Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is a proven clinical tool for the treatment of non-malignant and malignant cancers. PDT is a treatment with a drug that makes the skin cells sensitive to light. It combines the preferential accumulation of the chemical photosensitizer in the target tissue with defined illumination, to give the selectivity of the treatment. The light penetrates the tissue and causes excitation of the photosensitizer to produce cytotoxic singlet oxygen (1O2) species from surrounding tissue dissolved oxygen (3O2). PDT is an alternative to surgery and is best used in cases where a lot of surgery is needed. It is normally not suitable for deeper skin cancers because the light cannot penetrate far enough into the skin. Compared to complete excision of tumours by surgery; PDT is advantageous in cancer treatment and is much less invasive. Compared to chemotherapy, its penetration limitations make it much less likely to damage underlying healthy cells. Success has been achieved especially for surface cancers of the skin and esophagus, by targeting tumour cells directly, their supporting vasculature, and activating the immune system.
Loading....