Photodynamic Therapy

Photodynamic therapy is a minimally invasive treatment technique which is used to treat several types of cancer. It is a method that uses light to stimulate photosensitizing agents resulting in the killing of cancer cells. This new kind of cancer treatment brings hope from radical approach of traditional cancer therapies.
Photodynamic Therapy Involves Three Essential Components:
1. Photosensitizing agent: It is a special drug that accumulates in cancer cells.
2. Light source: A light source that provides laser of particular wavelength.
3. Oxygen: Photosensitizing agent requires oxygen to activate it.

The process of Photodynamic Therapy Involves the Following Steps:

1. Administration: It is administered intravenously or topically, based on the kind cancer.
2. Accumulation: The photosensitizing agent chooses to locate on cancer cells.
3. Light activation: Light of a particular wavelength is applied on the affected area.
4. Reactive oxygen species generation: The activated photosensitizing agent reacts with oxygen to provide reactive oxygen species.
5. Cell destruction: The reactive oxygen species damage cancer cells causing their death.

The Advantages of Photodynamic Therapy Include:

1. Minimal invasiveness: Photodynamic therapy is most commonly carried out on an outpatient involving little anesthesia.
2. High selectivity: The photosensitizing agent accumulates only in the cancer cells reducing damage on cancer cells.
3. Rapid recovery: Most patients develop minimal side effects and they can return to their normal life immediately after treatment.
4. Potential for repeated treatments: Photodynamic therapy can be repeated severally and thus can be useful in the treatment of recurrent cancers.

Photodynamic therapy is most suitable for the treatment of superficial cancers like that of the skin, esophagus and bladder. Have heard the news that it is also currently being researched for its effectiveness in the removal of far deeply rooted cancers such as prostate and breast cancer? The photodynamic therapy has also its disadvantages.

PHOT CREDIT: GOOGLE.COM

WRITTEN BY:AMEDICC.COM