Photodynamic therapy

Photodynamic therapy
Light activation during photodynamic therapy targeting a tumor
Other namesPhotochemotherapy

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is a form of phototherapy involving light and a photosensitizing chemical substance used in conjunction with molecular oxygen to elicit cell death (phototoxicity).[1]

PDT is used in treating acne, wet age-related macular degeneration, psoriasis, and herpes. It is used to treat malignant cancers,[2] including head and neck, lung, bladder and skin.

Advantages lessen the need for delicate surgery and lengthy recuperation and minimal formation of scar tissue and disfigurement. A side effect is the associated photosensitisation of skin tissue.[3]

  1. ^ Dougherty, Thomas J. (17 June 1998). "Photodynamic Therapy". JNCI: Journal of the National Cancer Institute. 90 (12): 889–905. doi:10.1093/jnci/90.12.889. PMC 4592754. PMID 9637138.
  2. ^ Wang, SS; J Chen; L Keltner; J Christophersen; F Zheng; M Krouse; A Singhal (2002). "New technology for deep light distribution in tissue for phototherapy". Cancer Journal. 8 (2): 154–63. doi:10.1097/00130404-200203000-00009. PMID 11999949. S2CID 24376095.
    Lane, N (January 2003). "New Light on Medicine". Scientific American. 288 (1): 38–45. Bibcode:2003SciAm.288a..38L. doi:10.1038/scientificamerican0103-38. PMID 12506423.
  3. ^ Cite error: The named reference :0 was invoked but never defined (see the help page).