Have you ever heard that a special drug and a special light can be combined to destroy harmful cells in our body, such as cancer cells? It may sound strange, but it is true. Today we are going to talk about one such amazing, modern treatment. In medical science, this is called Photodynamic Therapy , or PDT as we all know it for short.
What is Photodynamic Therapy (PDT) in simple terms?
Simply put, PDT is a two-part treatment that targets and destroys only the harmful, diseased cells in our body.
Think of it this way. First, you are given a special drug that makes you sensitive to light. We call this a photosensitizer . This drug can be taken as a pill, applied to the skin, or even injected into a vein. This depends on the location of your condition.
What happens next is very interesting. This photosensitizer drug is absorbed by every cell in our body. But in abnormal, diseased cells, like cancer cells, this drug stays in higher concentrations for a longer time. It is quickly removed from healthy cells. This can take a few hours or a few days.
When the time is right, your doctor will direct a special light beam (laser light or LED light) at the diseased cells. The photosensitizer drug inside the cells combines with the light and begins a chemical reaction with oxygen. As a result of this reaction, only the diseased cells are destroyed. The damage to healthy cells is minimal.
What diseases is this treatment used for?
PDT treatment can only be performed on areas that can be reached by light, which is why it is particularly useful for certain diseases.
| Type of medical condition | Examples |
|---|---|
| Skin cancer and pre-cancerous conditions (most commonly used) | Skin cancer, actinic keratosis, Bowen disease |
| Cancer of internal organs | Barrett's esophagus, bile duct cancer, bladder cancer, esophageal cancer, head and neck cancer, lung cancer, pancreatic cancer |
| Other non-cancerous conditions | Skin diseases such as severe acne and photoaging |
Preparation before treatment
To decide if this treatment is right for you, your doctor will take a complete medical history. In particular, they will check to see if you have light sensitivity or other conditions that can cause similar problems. For example, some people may develop more cold sores after this treatment. But don't worry, your doctor can give you medication to stop this before it happens.
What happens during and after treatment?
How long does the treatment take?
Typically, a single PDT treatment session can last anywhere from 15 to 90 minutes, depending on the size of the area being treated.
Is this painful?
This is a problem that many people have. In fact, you may feel some discomfort when the light is directed. Some people feel like their skin is getting hot. Others may feel like their skin is burning or like they are being pricked by a needle.
The important thing is that this discomfort is a sign that the treatment is working. But you don't have to endure the pain. Be sure to tell your doctor or medical staff about any discomfort you're feeling. They can give you cooling fans, ice packs, or painkillers to help you feel better.
How is the recovery time after treatment?
In most cases, you can go home the same day as your treatment. However, you will need to follow some special instructions to help the treated area heal and protect your skin.
The typical healing process might look like this:
- First day: The treated area may become red or discolored.
- Day Two: That redness/discoloration may become more intense.
- Between 3-7 days: You may (very rarely) experience blistering, itching, or peeling of the skin.
- Within a week or two: Your skin will start to return to normal.
It can take anywhere from two to six weeks to fully heal, depending on the area treated.
Remember, your skin will be very sensitive to light for a while after treatment. This means you'll need to be careful in the sun and even bright lights at home until the photosensitizer has completely worn off.
What should I pay special attention to during recovery?
In addition to the advice given by your doctor, be aware of these things:
- Stay indoors as much as possible for the first 48 hours.
- Stop exposure to direct sunlight completely.
- Stay away from strong indoor lights at home.
- If you go outside, wear sun-protective clothing and a long hat.
- Avoid going to places where light may be reflected, such as the beach.
- Don't use things like helmet-type hair dryers.
- Don't stand near reading lamps that emit bright light.
If you experience severe pain, itching, or other unusual discomfort during your recovery, call your doctor immediately.
Take-Home Message
- Photodynamic Therapy (PDT) is a modern, effective treatment method that uses a special drug and light to destroy diseased cells.
- This is especially useful for skin cancer and skin diseases that can turn into cancer.
- The main side effect of this treatment is that the skin becomes hypersensitive to light for a short time after the treatment. Therefore, it is imperative to protect yourself from light as advised by your doctor.
- The main advantage is that there is minimal scarring and no long-term side effects.
- Talk openly with your doctor about whether this treatment is right for you and what its benefits and risks are.
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