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PDT Cancer Treatment

Photodynamic Therapy (PDT) is a cancer treatment that combines a photosensitizing agent with light. The photosensitizers are presented to a particular wavelength of light to develop a type of oxygen to kill cancerous cells. PDT cancer treatment has been used to treat prostate cancer, skin cancer and breast cancer, as well as other types of cancer.

  1. How PDT works

    • The patient takes the photosensitizing agent orally. All of the body's cells absorb the agent, but the cancer cells retain the agent longer, and it builds in the cancerous tissue. The agent leaves the normal cells after 24 to 72 hours, but it remains in cells that are abnormal. Then those tumors are revealed to the laser light. The photosensitizing agent in the tumor cells takes in the light, which results in the development of oxygen to destroy the cancerous cells. PDT can also arouse the immune system to ward off the cancer cells. The PDT light is from a specific light or special laser that emits an electronic light source. Most patients receive PDT treatment on an outpatient basis. It is sometimes used in combination with other cancer therapies, such as chemotherapy, radiation and surgery.

    When PDT is Used

    • PDT cancer treatment is used on patients who are in fairly good health. The patient's cancer must not have actively marred vital organs or structures in the patient's body. A consultation process always proceeds PDT treatment. A preliminary interview will be conducted to determine if the cancer patient is a good candidate for the therapy. The patient must complete a patient questionnaire about his general health and any previous medical conditions. He must also complete a doctor's questionnaire, which will allow the PDT treatment center to obtain the patient's medical records, X rays and scans. After the treatment center receives the records, it will make a determination as to whether PDT treatment is right for the patient and his particular type of cancer.

    Pros of PDT

    • PDT has been shown to work just as well as radiation therapy or surgery to treat some forms of cancer. The advantages to PDT cancer treatment are that there are no long-lasting side effects when the procedure is properly conducted. PDT is not as invasive as surgery and can be precisely targeted. PDT can be duplicated several times at the same site, unlike radiation, and leaves no or very little scarring after the PDT area heals.

    Cons of PDT

    • PDT is limited to areas the light can reach, so it is most often used to treat cancer that is on or right under the skin or that is in internal organ linings. The drugs can be sent throughout the entire body, but PDT treatment can work only in areas that are exposed to the light. For this reason, PDT is not a good choice for cancers that have spread to other areas. The PDT drugs also cause patients to become sensitive to light.

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