2021 Volume 49 Issue 11 Pages 602-
In photodynamic therapy (PDT)，after a photosensitizer is administered that accumulates in tumor tissue and new blood vessels, a laser beam is irradiated around the tumor to cause a photochemical reaction. This reaction generates active oxygen and causes necrosis in tumor tissue. The first PDT was developed in Japan, and a first-generation PDT was introduced in 1996 using porphymer sodium and an excimer dye laser. In 2004, the second-generation PDT was introduced that used talaporfin sodium and a small diode laser. Its use was included in insurance coverage. In 2014, its use was covered by insurance as a treatment for malignant brain tumor and for locally residual recurrent esophageal cancer in 2015. New treatment targets, new light irradiation devices, and new photosensitive drugs are being developed internationally. In this special issue, researchers in various PDT fields explain their latest research and future prospects.
