Role of photodynamic therapy in cancer treatment

Abstract

Cancer is one of the most fatal diseases next only to cardiovascular diseases spread all around the globe, and it is the third most fatal disease in India. Environmental factors such as chemicals, UV light, tobacco products, X-rays, viruses, and disturbance in oncogenes are the factors which induce mutations that are inheritable and result in cancer. PDT comprises of three essential components: photosensitizer (PS), light, and oxygen. Oxygen in the form of reactive oxygen species can be toxic and may lead to cell death via necrosis or apoptosis. PDT is a two-stage procedure. Administration of a light-sensitive PS is followed by irradiation of tumor loci with a light of appropriate wavelength. This chapter describes about oncogenes and role of photodynamic therapy in treatment of oncogenes.