Photo Dynamic Therapy

Photodynamic Therapy (PDT) is a medical treatment that uses photosensitizing agents and light exposure to treat various skin conditions, including skin cancer and precancerous lesions. A photosensitizing agent, typically a topical solution like aminolevulinic acid (ALA) or methyl aminolevulinate (MAL), is applied to the skin. This agent is absorbed by abnormal cells or structures in the skin. The photosensitizing agent is allowed to incubate and accumulate in the target cells for a period of time, typically 30 minutes to several hours, depending on the specific agent used. After the incubation period, the treated area is exposed to a specific wavelength of light, usually blue or red light, which activates the photosensitizing agent. The activated agent produces oxygen radicals that selectively destroy abnormal cells, such as cancer cells or acne-causing bacteria.