Photodynamic Therapy
There have been many medical breakthroughs for cancer research and treatment. Photodynamic therapy is becoming popular as a treatment for destroying cancer cells. What makes this type of therapy unique is that it uses photosensitizing agents with light to act as a cancer fighting drug. The only way that the doctor is able to activate this type of treatment is to use a light source along with the agents. When used in conjunction, this treatment can precisely target harmful cells.
There are different forms of cancer that require special ways of administering types of treatments. In the case of photodynamic treatment, this therapy can be injected into the bloodstream or given to the patient by application of the skin. The cancer cells within the body absorb the photosensitizing agents and the doctor then places a light to the area in treatment to activate the process. The chemical that is caused by the light and agents reaction is able to kill off cells that are inhibited by the cancer. Photo dynamic therapy works well in killing blood vessels that could potentially inhibit cancer cells as well. It acts as an alert to the immune system that there are harmful cells within the body that need to be killed off. When used in conjunction with surgery or radiation, photodynamic therapy is researched to work very positively for most cancer patients.
The advantages of this type of treatment have been positive. First, this therapy is one in its own to leave no long term side effects from its use. Also, the patient is able to go through the treatment more than once in the same spot without the evasive side effects of other treatments such as surgery or radiation. Its target for the cancer cells is precise and leaves no scar after treatment is complete. The only drawback with this type of therapy is that it is most effective for cancers on the skin or just underneath the skin. It is also effective in treating the lining around certain organs. Some patients may feel an increased sensitivity to light, but that reaction is closely monitored by the doctor distributing the medicine.
This is an effective way to treat cancers such as mesothelioma. This type of cancer affects the lining around organs such as the lungs, heart and abdominal area. The light used in this type of therapy is easily able to reach the lining and is an effective way to fight of dangerous cells inhibiting the crevices of these folds. Unfortunately, mesothelioma is not found in the body until many years after initial exposure to asbestos, so photodynamic therapy must be discussed with the patient and the doctor to determine if it is effective for treating cancer in later stages.
Last modified: December 17 2007.
