PDT therapy is a form of treatment that takes advantage of a photosensitizing drug along with a certain type of light. As soon as these kinds of photosensitizing drugs are exposed to the particular light, some form of oxygen is generated and is used to destroy cancer cells. This is regarded a very effective skin cancer therapy, particularly as a skin pigmentation cure. With this kind of procedure, a photosensitizer is injected to the individual, which will eventually be assimilated by the tissues within the body, however it should be in the cells of cancer for a longer period. After 24 – 72 hours from being injected as well as remaining in the cancer cells, the tumor is going to be exposed to light. The light is going to be assimilated by the photosensitizing agent and will produce a type of oxygen which is able to destroying the nearby cancer cells. Besides being able to straight kill tumor cells, this kind of therapy is proven to remove cancers in different ways. It could actually destroy the blood vessels in the tumor and it will also enhance the immune system to be able to damage the cancer cells.
Although PhotoDynamic Therapy looks like a very useful as well as efficient way to get rid of tumors, it also has got some limitations. For example, the light that stimulates the photosensitizing agents could only go through at most a centimeter of tissue. Therefore, PhotoDynamic Therapy can only be utilized to remove tiny tumors that are on or underneath the skin. There is also no way that this therapy may succeed in curing cancer which has already spread. With regards to the unwanted side effects, a patient’s skin as well as eyes are actually going to become sensitive to bright light six weeks after the therapy. Therefore, patients are encouraged to avoid sunlight and just about any bright light for about six weeks. Patients will also be expected to have difficulties in swallowing and also breathing. They can also have problems with stomach pain and coughing. The great thing is these negative effects are short-term, and the patient’s health condition will improve in no time.
Certain photosensitizing agents have already been approved to be used in PhotoDynamic Therapy for the cure of some kinds of cancer. Porfimer sodium, some sort of photosensitizer, is currently used to treat the signs of esophageal cancer, particularly if the cancer can’t be cured with a laser therapy anymore. Experts are still looking to discover other ways of increasing the effectiveness of this treatment to counter types of cancer. Research is currently centered on the creation of photosensitizers for tumors in the brain, prostate gland, cervix, and even for Bowens Disease treatment. There are scientific studies also that focus on the development of the equipment used during the treatment as well as the method the activating light is delivered.
