Abstract
Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is a clinically approved, minimally invasive therapeutic procedure that can exert a selective cytotoxic activity toward malignant cells. In Japan PDT has indications for early staged gastrointestinal cancer, lung cancer and uterocervical cancer. PDT involves two key components : a photosensitizer and a light source. After administration of a photosensitizer, irradiation at a wavelength corresponding to an absorbance band of the sensitizer produces reactive oxygen species within cells in the cancerous area and leads to direct tumor cell death, damage to the microvasculature, and induction of a local inflammatory reaction. PDT can prolong survival in patients with inoperable cancers and significantly improve their quality of life. PDT has little normal tissue toxicity, negligible systemic effects and greatly reduced long-term morbidity. We herein introduce the PDT procedure and methodology for medical staff.
