What is Photodynamic Therapy?

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is a medical treatment that uses a photo sensitizing drug, which means it is activated by light. The result is an activated oxygen molecule that can destroy nearby cells. Precancerous cells and certain types of cancer cells can be treated this way. The procedure is easily performed in a physician's office or outpatient setting. Its mostly used for removing cancerous cells and is relatively painless.

Photodynamic therapy is a chemical reaction FDA-approved for the treatment of actinic keratoses. PDT can also be used to treat acne, rosacea, broken blood vessels, enlarged oil glands, and brown spots. PDT describes a chemical reaction that occurs when a solution (Levulan) in the presence of oxygen is activated by light. Abnormal skin cells (such as precancerous cells) are targeted and destroyed, revealing improved skin.

Photodynamic therapy otherwise known as PDT utilizes Levulan (levulinic acid, a naturally occurring breakdown compound of hemoglobin, part of red blood cells) and Blue light (~410nm wavelength). PDT is indicated by the FDA for actinic keratoses. There have been several published reports demonstrating efficacy for PDT for acne, acne rosacea, sebaceous hyperplasia, cosmetic benefits, e.g. collagen production. Depending on the aggressiveness of the protocol, PDT can have up to 7 days of red... more

Photodynamic therapy is a process by which a photosensitizing drug and light device are used in combination to destroy or damage only the target cells in the skin, while preserving surrounding tissue. It works like this. A drug that is capable of attracting light to the target cells (pre cancerous cells according to the current FDA approval) is placed on the skin. This drug (amino levulanic acid or ALA) is preferentially absorbed into the fast growing pre-cancerous cells. After an... more