Photodynamic Therapy
Using light’s force to destroy cancer cells.
Photodynamic therapy (PDT) uses specialized drugs, known as photosensitizing agents, combined with a light source to target the cancer cells in an effort to minimize or destroy them.
What is photodynamic therapy (PDT)?
The drugs used to destroy the cancer are activated when put into contact with light. PDT is primarily used to treat patients with precancerous lesions. It works on certain localized cancers.
Photodynamic Therapy is a great preventative treatment for people with sun-damaged skin. In addition to treating cancer, the combination of drugs and light can make your skin clearer, smoother, and healthier so you can feel good about the skin you’re in.
Photodynamic therapy is a potential treatment for these types of skin cancer:
- Actinic Keratosis
- Superficial and nodular basal cell carcinoma
- Squamous cell carcinoma in situ (Bowen’s Disease)
How photodynamic therapy works.
The photosensitizing agent is applied to the area being treated. The drug is then absorbed by the cancer cells in a specific period of time. Blue or red light is then applied to the area to allow the medication to be activated. The light causes the drug to react and create cancer-destroying oxygen molecules.
The time between the medication being applied and the light activation to the affected area is known as the drug-to-light interval. This interval can vary from no time at all to a few hours, depending on which photosensitizing agent is being used.
Watch our helpful videos.
Treatment options for Actinic Keratosis
Photodynamic therapy – Treatment Day
Activation of Photosensitizing medication
Book your appointment now.
Take care of your skin and your long-term health with the help of Dr. Ben Wiese and his team.