Photodynamic therapy
About this test
Photodynamic therapy is a two-stage treatment that combines light energy with a medicine called a photosensitizer. The photosensitizer kills cancerous and precancerous cells when activated by light, usually from a laser. The photosensitizer is nontoxic until it is activated by light. After light activation, however, the photosensitizer becomes toxic to the targeted tissue.
Why it's done
Photodynamic therapy is used to treat a variety of conditions, including: Pancreatic cancer. Bile duct cancer, also known as cholangiocarcinoma. Esophageal cancer. Lung cancer. Head and neck cancers. Certain skin diseases, including acne, psoriasis, nonmelanoma skin cancer and precancerous skin changes, known as actinic keratosis. Bacterial, fungal and viral infections.
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