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Photodynamic Therapy: What You Need To Know
Overview and Uses of Photodynamic Therapy (PDT)
Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is a treatment used in medicine that combines light and chemical reactions to treat diseases. PDT consists of three essential components:
- Photosensitizing agents, drugs that make cells sensitive to specific types of light.
- Tissue oxygen, an element found in our bodies, facilitates this process.
- Light activates the photosensitizers, which then damage targeted cells by producing reactive species using available tissue oxygen.
PDT is widely used in treating cancer and other conditions related to abnormal cell growth. It has the capability to target cancerous tumors without damaging surrounding healthy tissues if properly applied, making it less invasive than surgery or radiation therapy and associated with fewer side effects.
In addition to cancer, PDT is applied in the treatment of macular degeneration—a common eye condition leading to vision loss—and certain skin disorders such as acne and psoriasis. Ongoing research examines its potential use for heart disease, HIV, and other areas.
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Cancers and Skin Diseases Treated by PDT
Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is effective against certain cancers and skin diseases. Cancers that show a positive response to PDT include:
- esophageal
- lung
- bladder
- skin cancers
PDT has the potential to shrink or eliminate tumors in these instances.
Regarding skin diseases, PDT is beneficial for conditions such as actinic keratosis and acne. Actinic keratosis, a precancerous condition, results from sun damage. Acne, a prevalent inflammatory disease, affects hair follicles.
PDT operates by utilizing light-sensitive drugs activated by specific wavelengths of light to destroy abnormal cells while sparing healthy ones. This targeted approach highlights its appeal as a treatment option.
Each patient requires an individual assessment to determine their suitability for treatment with PDT.
Potential Benefits and Functions of PDT
Photodynamic Therapy (PDT) is characterized by its non-invasive nature, eliminating the need for surgery. This treatment utilizes a photosensitizer or photosensitizing agent along with a specific type of light to target and kill cancer cells.
The process of PDT begins with the administration of the drug, which can be applied topically or administered intravenously, depending on the area being treated. Following a period allowed for the drug to be absorbed, the targeted area is exposed to certain wavelengths of light.
- A significant advantage of PDT is its precision in targeting only the cancerous cells while sparing the surrounding healthy tissue. This specificity results in fewer side effects compared to more conventional treatments such as radiation or chemotherapy, which can affect both cancerous and healthy cells.
Despite its benefits, PDT, like any medical treatment, may present potential downsides.