Photodynamic therapy.

Marta L Davila

Journal: Gastrointestinal endoscopy clinics of North America 2011;21(1):67-79

PMID: 21112498

Full Text on Elsevier Science View on PubMed

Abstract

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is a photochemical process that uses a photosensitizer drug activated by laser light to produce mucosal ablation. Porfimer sodium PDT has proved long-term efficacy and durability in the treatment of Barrett's esophagus and high-grade dysplasia and early esophageal adenocarcinoma. Its use has been limited by serious side effects including prolonged cutaneous photosensitivity and stricture formation. Other photosensitizers with a better safety profile have been used mostly in Europe with limited experience. The future of PDT lies on a better understanding of dosimetry, tissue properties, and host genetic factors.

Address: Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 1515 Holcombe Boulevard, Unit 1466, Houston, TX 77030-4009, USA. [email protected]

DOI: 10.1016/j.giec.2010.09.002

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MeSH Terms: Adenocarcinoma, Aminolevulinic Acid, Barrett Esophagus, Dihematoporphyrin Ether, Esophageal Neoplasms, Humans, Mesoporphyrins, Photochemotherapy, Photosensitizing Agents, Precancerous Conditions