A 32-year-old member asked:
is photodynamic therapy effective?
1 doctor answer • 1 doctor weighed in
Dr. Arthur Balin answered
Dermatology 47 years experience
Photodynamic therapy: Photodynamic therapy (pdt) involves activation of a photosensitizer by visible light in the presence of oxygen to produce reactive oxygen radicals which selectively destroys the target tissue. It is an effective therapy to treat certain conditions. However it is not full proof. However practically no therapy is full proof . It's usefulness depends on what you want to use it for example ablation.
5386 viewsAnswered >2 years ago
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Similar questions
A member asked:
How long does photodynamic therapy take?
2 doctor answers • 7 doctors weighed in
Dr. Joseph Eastern answered
Dermatology 44 years experience
1.5 hours: There are several kinds of pdt; if you mean the kind used to treat sun damage and skin cancers, the photosensitizer is painted on the affected skin and left there for an hour; the patient then sits under the special blue light for 16 minutes. So in our office, one session takes a total of about an hour and a half.
5994 viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 41-year-old member asked:
Does photodynamic therapy work?
1 doctor answer • 5 doctors weighed in
Dr. Brock Ridenour answered
Plastic Surgery 36 years experience
Yes: Pdt for actinic keratoses (skin) is a proven treatment and results in significant reduction of both clinically apparent and as yet undetected precancerous lesions. However, one treatment does not eliminate 100% of lesions. New lesions may also develop. Long-term surveillance and periodic re-treatment is advised. Pdt has great potential for the treatment of a variety of other malignancies as well.
5850 viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 42-year-old member asked:
What are effects from photodynamic therapy?
2 doctor answers • 3 doctors weighed in
Dr. Brock Ridenour answered
Plastic Surgery 36 years experience
Redness mild burning: In pdt, a medication is administered to reach a target tissue. Light of a specific wavelength is then used to activate the medication causing injury to the target cells. Pdt is often used to treat precancerous skin lesions. Light sensitive medication is first applied to the skin where it is taken up by the abnormally growing precancerous cells. Light is then applied to cause specific cell injury.
5850 viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 48-year-old member asked:
Photodynamic therapy is what, and used for what?
2 doctor answers • 2 doctors weighed in
Dr. Brock Ridenour answered
Plastic Surgery 36 years experience
Actinic Keratoses: In pdt, a medication is administered to reach a target tissue. Light of a specific wavelength is then used to activate the medication causing injury to the target cells. Pdt is often used to treat precancerous skin lesions. Light sensitive medication is first applied to the skin where it is taken up by the abnormally growing precancerous cells. Light is then applied to cause specific cell injury.
5746 viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 38-year-old member asked:
What is photodynamic therapy?
2 doctor answers • 3 doctors weighed in
Dr. Otto Placik answered
Plastic Surgery 34 years experience
Typically component: This is used for treating skin conditions typified by actively growing cells. A form of chemotherapy is used. The agent called amino levulonic acid is topically applied and actively taken up by the multiplying cells. A light is then applied to the area and the cells which have ingested the ala are sensitized to e logs effects and generally are weakened and die. It is used for different skidiesease.
5482 viewsReviewed Jan 23, 2019
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Last updated Dec 9, 2013
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