Photodynamic Therapy

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is a procedure that uses a chemical that is taken up by rapidly dividing cells and then is susceptible to destruction by using a special type of light. This procedure is used for those patients with very early forms of cancer or very advanced forms of cancer who are not candidates for surgical therapy or even in some cases candidates for chemotherapy or radiation. This form of treatment can be used on the airway and the digestive tract. It is not a cure but can provide symptomatic relief for patients who have not other alternative.

The procedure involves injection with the drug, and then treatment 2 and 4 days after the injection. Almost all patients are treated as outpatients and rarely is general anesthesia required for this when it involves the digestive tract but frequently if it involves the airways.

The biggest side effect of this drug is photosensitivity where patients are unable to go into direct sunlight for 30 days without getting severe sunburns.

The drug is also extremely expensive and you will need to make sure that your insurance company will cover the treatment.