Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is a dermatological treatment for medical and cosmetic skin concerns. It is a two-stage treatment that uses light energy, along with a medication called a photosensitizer, to kill off dangerous cells in the skin. This includes cancerous and precancerous cells. It uses light from a laser to work.
In addition to this type of care, photodynamic light therapy also provides treatment for non-cancerous conditions, including sun-damaged skin, rosacea, and acne. It may also be used for age-related macular degeneration and psoriasis, showing its diversity in treatment.
What Is Photodynamic Therapy?
Photodynamic light therapy combines light energy and photosensitizing medications to treat various areas of the skin. The combination destroys harmful cells. Your doctor applies a cream over your skin in the treatment area. Then, light activates the drugs, allowing a chemical reaction to occur. That chemical reaction destroys the cells, making it impossible for them to grow. This process is sometimes called photo radiation therapy or photochemotherapy because of how the light works, but it is far different from the use of traditional radiation or chemotherapy.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Photodynamic Therapy
Take a look at some of the advantages of using photodynamic light therapy:
- Limited to no side effects: Unlike other types of treatments for skin cancer and non-cancerous conditions, there are no long-term side effects with this therapy.
- Short application time and effective results: Though you may need more than one treatment, most people – up to 90% – see improvement in their skin condition using this strategy, and it only takes two hours to complete.
- Affordable: It is typically more affordable than other cancer treatments. Photodynamic therapy cost is often far more accessible than treatment that is invasive, like surgery.
- Precise: Precision treatment makes it possible for care providers to offer more specialized care for targeted results.
Disadvantages of photodynamic therapy include:
- Treatment is only applicable to areas where light can reach. It cannot treat problems located under or just under the skin.
- It cannot treat cancers that have spread to numerous areas of the body.
- Some people with certain blood diseases may be unable to use this product.
Also notable is that some people experience peeling, sensitivity to light, and slight discomfort. Temporary redness, mild swelling, and areas of irritation are also potential side effects.
Conditions Treated with PDT
Photodynamic therapy for skin conditions include:
- Psoriasis
- Actinic keratosis
- Vitiligo
Photodynamic therapy for cancers includes some forms of:
- Skin cancer
- Esophageal cancer, including Barrett’s esophagus
- Lung cancer
- Brain cancer
- Head and neck cancer
- Bile duct cancer
- Bladder cancer
This treatment may be used, according to the National Cancer Institute, for cancers such as squamous cell carcinoma, basal cell skin cancer, melanoma skin cancer, and other abnormal cells.
It can also be used to treat non-cancerous conditions including:
- Gastritis
- Corneal infections
- Gum disease
- Urinary tract infections
Is Photodynamic Therapy Good for Acne?
In some situations, you can see the day-by-day recovery of acne through photodynamic therapy. That’s because this treatment works very well at controlling the presence of bacteria that lead to inflammation, redness, and damage to the skin caused by acne. If you have acne that has not improved with other treatments, including those with mild to severe acne, you may find benefits with this product. Photodynamic therapy acne results are often significant.
Can Photodynamic Therapy Reduce Rosacea?
The use of PDT can offer improvement to rosacea in many people. It is considered both effective and safe because it works to remove bacterial damage. It is effective at reducing both swelling and irritation of the skin. Note that people with moderate to severe rosacea may need several treatments to see the most significant improvement.
How Is Photodynamic Therapy Performed?
The procedure is not painful and can be done in our office. If you are coming in for photodynamic therapy on the face or other patches of skin, the first step will involve a full consultation to capture your medical information and explain both the procedure and the follow-up care you will need. Here is what you can expect throughout the process:
- Your healthcare professional will apply a cream called a photosensitizer to the treatment area. The drugs will concentrate on the cancer cells, specifically making them more sensitive to light.
- Your healthcare provider then shines the light over the treatment site. Most often, this is a low-power red laser light, but it may also be a blue light or natural sunlight. The light interacts with the oxygen, causing a chemical reaction to occur. This destroys unhealthy cells in that target area.
- The process can take anywhere from 15 minutes to 90 minutes, depending on the treatment area. You will be able to go home after, but you will need to wear sunscreen immediately following treatment.
We will provide you with some support in both preparation and follow-up to help encourage the best possible results.
FAQs
Is photodynamic therapy painful?
Your immune system will go to work to address the therapy. This can cause some redness and irritation. Some people also experience photodynamic therapy peeling. However, it is not necessarily painful to receive care. You will have pain management help available to support you.
How long does it take to recover from PDT?
To treat cancer cells, you can expect to be able to get back to your life within a few days. If you are having a cosmetic procedure, there are fewer restrictions right after use. The key is to be sure you know what to look for throughout your treatment. Most patients will need follow-up care, especially if you are using PDT and Metvix. This follow-up care will ensure you get the best possible treatment for abnormal cells without the risk of complications.
Will my skin peel after photodynamic therapy?
Peeling in photodynamic therapy is common, but it is not something that will last. Most people see improvement within a day or two. This is a component of the healing process.
Note that photodynamic therapy before and after improves over time. Most people need more than one treatment, and our team will provide you with very specific treatment methods including what you can expect. Contact ICLS today to learn more about photodynamic therapy costs, availability, and consultations.