Photodynamic therapy works on the first two steps doctor runs photosensitizer, a type of drug that makes cells sensitive to certain wavelengths of light. Then the second step is the exposure of cancer cells to light, causing a reaction that kills tumor cells nearby.
In clinical trials the researchers found that this treatment can improve life expectancy in patients with pleural mesothelioma, especially when used in combination with other treatments such as surgery and chemotherapy.
Photosensitizer and the key used for the treatment of pleural mesothelioma is a sodium profimer, usually called Photofrin. Approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) This medicine is for use in other types of cancer, such as cancer of the esophagus, and recognized its potential in the treatment of mesothelioma. Because Photofrin may help in the treatment of cancers are rare and announced the FDA designated orphan drug, which it helps to speed the approval process for the FDA.
How does photodynamic therapy it work?
Photodynamic therapy is usually in outpatient clinics do not require a hospital stay. Can be used in conjunction with other treatments such as chemotherapy and surgery to combat cancer in multiple ways and different.
Photodynamic therapy begins with the administration of the agent and the sensitivity to light, which is injected into the bloodstream. And this drug is absorbed by the cells, both healthy and cancerous and leave the photosensitizer most healthy cells, but remains in the cells of mesothelioma for a period ranging from one to three days. This is when the light is usually managed by a laser, to activate the photosensitizer. Doctors may include fiber optic cables in the lungs for the purpose of light in the tumor and cancer cells a direct hit, a process that could take up to 45 minutes.
It must be the light at a specific wavelength and a particular color in order to provoke a reaction in the drug. For example, Photofrin photodynamic therapy interacts with the red light. Once you activate the drug and it produces a highly reactive form of oxygen. It is known that oxygen affects both cancer cells, prompting them to death. And sometimes also damage the blood vessels of the tumor and reduces the supply of spare food and kill cancer cells.
Side effects of treatment of photosynthesis.
Include the side effects of treatment of photosynthesis some discomfort at the site of treatment, including swelling or bruising, the patient may suffer from the sensitivity of the skin and the eye of light for the first 30 days after treatment. It is also essential that patients avoid exposure to direct sunlight and keep their bodies covered when outside lights and keep quiet until at least the internal reaction or stop. We find also some patients may suffer from side effects of cough and difficulty in swallowing and pain in the stomach.
photodynamic therapy