Sonodynamic Therapy
What is Sonodynamic Therapy?
Sonodynamic Therapy (SDT) 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 ultrasound is then applied to the area where the photosensitive substance has collected, causing a photochemical reaction in the photosensitive substance, generating reactive oxygen species that have a cytotoxic effect, thereby degenerating and necrosing cancer cells.
Because ultrasound can penetrate deeper into tissues than light, sonodynamic therapy can attack cancer cells at deeper sites than photodynamic therapy.
Characteristics of Sonodynamic 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 approach deep cancer
Ultrasound can reach deeper than light, so it can approach deep-seated cancers (lung cancer, prostate cancer, liver cancer, pancreatic cancer, etc.).
4. It can be performed as an outpatient treatment.
There is no need for hospitalization and no need to sacrifice your daily life.
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.
Treatment overview
Cost (free medical treatment)
1 course (6 sessions) 2,200,000 to 4,400,000 yen (tax included)
Risks and side effects
-
Subcutaneous hematoma and nerve damage that occur during infusion, blood irradiation, and puncture irradiation
-
Nausea, vomiting, fever, vascular pain, etc. due to immune reactions to intravenous substances
-
Allergic reactions and anaphylactic shock
-
Individual side effects vary depending on the substance to which you are sensitive (details will be explained by your doctor)