Photodynamic Therapy
What is Photodynamic Therapy?
Photodynamic Therapy (PDT) is a treatment method in which a photosensitive substance that has the property of collecting in tumor tissue and new blood vessels is administered to the patient, and the area where the photosensitive substance has collected is irradiated with laser light, causing a photochemical reaction in the photosensitive substance, generating reactive oxygen species that have a cytotoxic effect, resulting in the degeneration and necrosis of cancer cells.
* Photoimmunotherapy is a treatment that combines photodynamic therapy and immunotherapy.
Characteristics of Photodynamic Therapy
1. Minimally invasive treatment (treatment that places less strain on the body)
There is no need to make an incision in the body, and there is no need to use burdensome anesthesia such as general anesthesia during treatment.
2. Almost no damage to normal cells
Because the drug acts specifically on cancer cells, treatment can be carried out while protecting healthy cells.
3. It can be performed as an outpatient treatment.
There is no need for hospitalization and no need to sacrifice your daily life.
*Please avoid sun exposure for about a week after treatment.
Photodynamic Therapy Precautions
Photodynamic therapy requires the administration of a photosensitive substance. However, the drawback of this substance is that when exposed skin on the face, hands, or other areas is exposed to sunlight or other light other than laser light, it can undergo a chemical reaction, causing photosensitivity such as redness, rash, and blisters in the affected area.
Limitations of Photodynamic Therapy
The light required to activate most photosensitizers cannot penetrate more than one-third of an inch (1 cm). For this reason, photodynamic therapy is typically used to treat tumors located just beneath the skin or in the epithelium of internal organs and cavities. Larger tumors are less effective because the light cannot penetrate deep into the tumor. Photodynamic therapy is a localized treatment and cannot be used to treat metastatic cancer.
About Photoimmunotherapy
At our clinic, we not only use sonodynamic therapy alone, but also perform photoimmunotherapy, using selected wavelengths of laser, near-infrared, and ultrasound, or in combination, depending on the patient's condition and type of cancer. We use different devices for irradiation methods, such as intradermal irradiation, intravascular irradiation, and external point or area irradiation, depending on the patient's condition. By using near-infrared and ultrasound, we can also treat deep-seated cancers that are difficult for light to reach.
Cost (free medical treatment)
1 session: 330,000 to 660,000 yen (tax included)