Photodynamic Treatment

By Author: Damien Alcock
Total Articles: 143
Comment this article

It was originally designed to treat skin cancer but has since been modified to treat a variety of other conditions, including precancerous lesions, acne, and age-related macular degeneration. 


This article will examine the science behind PDT, its applications, and the patient benefits it offers.


What is the Photodynamic Treatment? 
Photodynamic therapy is a noninvasive medical treatment that entails applying a photosensitizing agent, followed by activating the agent with a specific wavelength of light. After application, the photosensitizer is selectively taken up by cancer cells and surrounding tissues. Once a specific wavelength of light is used to activate the photosensitizer, it becomes activated and produces reactive oxygen species (ROS) that damage or destroy the targeted cells in the treatment area.


How does Photodynamic Therapy function? 
Photodynamic therapy is based on a basic principle: cancer cells and other abnormal cells absorb more of the photosensitizing agent because they are more metabolically active than healthy ...
... cells. 


When a specific wavelength of light is used to activate the photosensitizing agent, singlet oxygen is produced, which damages abnormal cells without injuring healthy cells.


Typically, photodynamic therapy consists of three steps:


The first stage in the process of photodynamic therapy is the administration of the photosensitizing agent. Depending on the treatment, the agent may be administered topically, taken orally, or injected directly into the affected region.


After the photosensitizing agent has been administered, the affected area is exposed to a specific wavelength of light, typically with a laser or LED device. The duration of exposure depends on the form of treatment and light source employed.


Destruction of Abnormal Cells: When light activates the photosensitizer, singlet oxygen is produced, which damages the targeted cells. Singlet oxygen initially damages the cell membrane of cancer cells, ultimately leading to cell demise.


What Should You Do Prior to, Following, and During Treatment?
In order to minimise skin sensitivity, avoid excessive sun exposure and tanning beds for at least 48 hours prior to the procedure. On the day of your PDT treatment, ensure that your skin is clean and refrain from applying cosmetics, lotions, or creams.


The doctor will provide protective eyewear to safeguard your eyes from the light source during the procedure. During the treatment, you may experience warmth or sensation, but it should not be painful.
You may experience redness and oedema in the treated area for approximately two days following the PDT treatment. 


It is also crucial that you adhere to the post-treatment instructions precisely. These typically consist of avoiding direct or indirect sun exposure for at least 48 hours and donning broad-spectrum sunscreen when outdoors. In addition to keeping the treated area clean and moist, you should avoid scratching or poking at it.


It is essential to attend regular follow-up appointments to monitor your progress, and you must contact your doctor if you experience any concerning symptoms, such as worsening pain or infection symptoms.


Photodynamic therapy uses 
Photodynamic therapy has demonstrated promise as a treatment for a variety of medical conditions, including:


Photodynamic therapy is most frequently used for the treatment of skin cancer, specifically superficial basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma. Photodynamic therapy is a non-invasive treatment that does not involve surgical incisions or disfigurement, unlike conventional treatments such as surgery or radiation therapy.


Photodynamic therapy may also be used to treat precancerous lesions, such as actinic keratosis, which, if left untreated, can progress to forms of skin cancer.


Photodynamic therapy has also been shown to be effective in treating acne, particularly moderate to severe acne that does not respond to conventional treatments such as antibiotics.


Photodynamic therapy has also been used to treat age-related macular degeneration, a condition in which the macula, the part of the eye responsible for sharp vision, begins to deteriorate.


In certain instances, PDT can be used to treat non-cancerous conditions, such as urinary tract infections (UTIs).

Acute sinusitis.


Gastritis.


Corneal diseases.


Gum disease.

Advantages of Photodynamic Treatment
Non-invasiveness is one of the most significant advantages of photodynamic therapy. Photodynamic therapy is substantially more comfortable and convenient than traditional treatments such as surgery or radiation therapy because it does not involve surgical incisions or scarring.


Photodynamic therapy is a highly precise treatment that specifically targets the afflicted cells. This precision minimises injury to neighbouring healthy cells, thereby reducing side effects such as pain, swelling, and scarring, making it appropriate for individuals with skin cancers and precancerous lesions.




In contrast to surgery or radiation therapy, which can require weeks or even months of recovery time, photodynamic therapy patients can typically resume normal activities within a few days of treatment.


Contraindications of Photodynamic Therapy 
Despite the numerous benefits of photodynamic therapy, there are still several obstacles to overcome.


The limited profundity of treatment: limited tissue penetration is one of the primary obstacles. As the light used cannot penetrate more than 1cm of tissue, the effective range of PDT is presently limited to superficial tumours or areas reachable by endoscopes. PDT can therefore only be used to treat superficial tumours or skin conditions, such as basal cell and squamous cell skin malignancies. 


Advancements in light delivery systems, such as fibre optics or specialised light-emitting devices, are being developed to surmount this obstacle and expand the application of photodynamic therapy to deeper tissues.


Patients are more susceptible to sunburn and other light-induced skin reactions, including erythema, swelling, and blistering, for up to 48 hours following PDT treatment. After treatment, patients are instructed to avoid direct sunlight and use appropriate solar protection.


PDT is not appropriate for all patients, including those who are pregnant, have particular skin characteristics, or have a history of photosensitivity. Consult a healthcare professional to determine if photodynamic therapy (PDT) is appropriate for your specific condition.


Multiple sessions of PDT may be necessary to obtain the desired results, depending on the severity of the condition. This can be time-intensive and costly.


What Side Effects Does Photodynamic Therapy Have? 
While photodynamic therapy is generally regarded as safe and effective, it carries the same risks of adverse effects as any other medical procedure. Among the frequent adverse effects of PDT are:

Itching, stinging, swelling, and scorching of the skin at or near the treatment site.


A cutaneous discoloration.


Scales, crusts, or sores may appear on the treated area.


Skin diseases.

Despite the fact that these adverse effects are typically mild and transient, they may be more severe if the treatment area is expanded.


Conclusion 


Photodynamic therapy is an innovative medical treatment that has shown promise in treating a wide variety of medical conditions, such as skin cancer, acne, and age-related macular degeneration. The noninvasive nature of the treatment makes it a pleasant and convenient option for patients. 


As research progresses and technology advances, the potential applications of photodynamic therapy are likely to increase, making it a more valuable weapon against cancer.


For all matters concerning skin cancer checks and treatments offered by Skin Clinic Robina, contact us today.