Implementation of laser technologies in clinical PDT

Abstract

“Photodynamic therapy” (PDT) is a term encompassing a collection of both curative and palliative modalities, traditionally described as treating precancerous lesions and superficial tumors using light. The list of medical fields in which PDT has managed to find a place as an accepted option for specific problems includes gastroenterology, dermatology, gynaecology, ophthalmology, and ENT. It is increasing importance underlined by a comparison with both traditional chemotherapy and radiotherapy, which can often significantly compromise patient’s health. The therapeutic use of these well-established therapies is accordingly limited by their toxicity. In contrast, PDT cannot only show a distinct degree of tumor specificity, but can be repeatedly applied without apparently damaging the health of the patient.