Photodynamic Therapy

About

In photodynamic therapy, the combination of the laser and the drug causes a chemical reaction that destroys the targeted cells. This is a two-part treatment:

1. First, the doctor applies the light-sensitive drug (photosensitizer). For internal conditions, such as esophageal or lung cancer, the drug is injected into your vein. The drug is absorbed into your body, especially by fast-growing cancer cells.
2. One to three days later, the doctor inserts a thin, lighted, flexible tube (endoscope) into the area that needs treatment — for instance, your esophagus (the muscular passageway that runs from your throat to your stomach) or your lungs. Through the endoscope, the doctor shines a high-powered laser light (different from radiation therapy or heat-producing lasers) onto the diseased tissue to activate the drug.

Photodynamic therapy is used to treat conditions such as:

• Barrett's esophagus with significant precancerous changes (high-grade dysplasia) in esophagus cells
• Esophageal cancer
• Gastric cancer
• Lung cancer
• Bile duct cancer
• Pancreatic cancer
• Macular degeneration
• Certain skin diseases

Side effects can occur with photodynamic therapy, including:

• Sensitivity to light, which means you'll need to avoid any bright light, including the sun, for several weeks to prevent sunburn, redness and swelling.
• Swelling and inflammation around the site being treated, and other signs and symptoms, depending on the treatment site, such as pain or trouble swallowing or breathing from treatment of the esophagus.