ANTI-CANCER
Finding The Hope
Cancer Treatment
There are various forms of cancer treatment available, and the specific treatment regimen you receive will be determined by the type and stage of your cancer.
While some cancer patients may undergo a single treatment, most receive a combination of treatments, including surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy. Facing cancer treatment can be an overwhelming and confusing experience, but it's essential to educate yourself and have open communication with your doctor. By learning about the various types of treatment available and discussing your options with your healthcare provider, you can feel more empowered and in control.
Photodynamic therapy - Cancer Treatment
Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is a type of cancer treatment that uses a photosensitizing agent and a special type of light to kill cancer cells. The photosensitizing agent is administered to the patient and is then activated by light of a certain wavelength, which causes the agent to produce a form of oxygen that kills nearby cancer cells.
PDT can be used alone or in combination with other treatments, such as surgery or radiation therapy. This article provides an overview of PDT, including the types of photosensitizing agents, the methods of administration, and the side effects associated with treatment.
Types of Photosensitizing Agents
There are several types of photosensitizing agents that are used in PDT, including:
- Porfimer sodium (Photofrin): Porfimer sodium is a photosensitizing agent that is approved for the treatment of esophageal cancer and non-small cell lung cancer. It is administered intravenously and is activated by light of a certain wavelength.
- Aminolevulinic acid (ALA): ALA is a photosensitizing agent that is approved for the treatment of actinic keratosis, a precancerous skin condition. It is applied topically to the skin and is activated by light of a certain wavelength.
- Methyl aminolevulinate (MAL): MAL is a photosensitizing agent that is approved for the treatment of actinic keratosis and superficial basal cell carcinoma, a type of skin cancer. It is applied topically to the skin and is activated by light of a certain wavelength.
Methods of Administration
PDT can be administered in several different ways, including:
- Intravenous (IV) infusion: IV infusion involves injecting the photosensitizing agent directly into the patient's bloodstream through a vein in the arm or hand. This method is used for porfimer sodium.
- Topical application: Topical application involves applying the photosensitizing agent directly to the skin. This method is used for ALA and MAL.
- Injection: Injection involves injecting the photosensitizing agent directly into a tumor. This method is used for some types of skin cancer and certain other types of cancer.
After the photosensitizing agent is administered, the patient typically waits for a period of time to allow the agent to be absorbed by cancer cells. Then, the area to be treated is exposed to light of a certain wavelength, which activates the photosensitizing agent and causes it to produce a form of oxygen that kills nearby cancer cells.
Side Effects of PDT
PDT can cause a range of side effects, some of which may be severe. The side effects can vary depending on the type of photosensitizing agent being used, the dose and frequency of treatment, and other factors such as the patient's age and overall health.
Some of the most common side effects of PDT include:
- Skin sensitivity: The skin may be sensitive to light for several weeks after treatment.
- Swelling: The treated area may become swollen and bruised.
- Skin changes: The skin may become red, scaly, or blistered.
- Pain: The treated area may be painful or uncomfortable.
Some of the more severe side effects of PDT include:
- Damage to healthy tissues or organs: PDT can cause damage to healthy tissues or organs near the treated area, such as the lungs, esophagus, or bladder.
- Scarring: PDT can cause scarring or disfigurement, particularly when used to treat skin cancer on the face or other visible areas.
- Photosensitivity: PDT can cause photosensitivity, which means the patient may be more sensitive to sunlight or other sources of light.
Photodynamic therapy is a type of cancer treatment that uses a photosensitizing agent and a special type of light to kill cancer cells. The photosensitizing agent is administered to the patient and is then activated by light of a certain wavelength, which causes the agent to produce a form of oxygen that kills nearby cancer cells. There are several types of photosensitizing agents that are used in PDT, and the method of administration will depend on the type of agent being used and other factors. However, PDT can cause a range of side effects, some of which may be severe. It is important for patients to discuss the potential side effects of PDT with their healthcare provider and to report any side effects they experience during treatment.