Photodynamic Therapy
Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is a treatment that involves light-sensitive medicine and a light source to destroy abnormal cells.
Photodynamic Therapy (PDT) is a form of phototherapy using non-toxic light sensitive compounds that are exposed selectively to light. It can be used clinically to treat some skin conditions including non-malignant cancers and is recognised as a treatment strategy which is both minimally invasive and minimally toxic.
The light-sensitive medicine and light source are harmless on their own, but when the medicine is exposed to the light, it becomes toxic to targeted malignant and other diseased cells. PDT has proven ability to kill microbial cells, including bacteria, fungi and viruses.
How does it work?
Photodynamic Therapy (PDT) is a form of phototherapy using non-toxic light sensitive compounds that are exposed selectively to light. It can be used clinically to treat some skin conditions including non-malignant cancers and is recognised as a treatment strategy which is both minimally invasive and minimally toxic.
What areas can be improved?
Non-Melanoma Skin Cancer – There are two types of non-melanoma skin cancers and both are found in the epidermis; the outer layer of the skin.
Basal Cell Carcinoma – Arises from the uncontrolled multiplication of basal cells and are small, round cells found in the lower part of the epidermis.
Squamous Cell Carcinoma – Arises from the uncontrolled multiplication of squamous cells and are flat, scale-like cells found in the upper part of the epidermis.
What results can I expect?
This is a prescriptive treatment and requires referral from the patient's General Practitioner or Dermatologist. Results are dependent on the patient's baseline diagnosis.
To achieve maximum improvement, a series of approximately three treatments at 2.4 week intervals are most effective.
Some patients with actinic keratoses will achieve results in just one treatment.