Sonodynamic therapy (SDT)
Introduction
Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is a treatment that involves the use of light-sensitive medication and a light source to destroy abnormal cells.
It can be used to treat some skin and eye conditions, as well as certain types of cancer.
On their own, the medication and light source are harmless, but when the medication is exposed to the light, it activates and causes a reaction that damages nearby cells.
This allows small abnormal areas of tissue to be treated without the need for surgery.
This page covers:
"Next-generation" PDT (NGPDT) and sonodynamic therapy (SDT)
Medically Reviewed by a doctor on 30 Nov 2016
Introduction
Find out what photodynamic therapy (PDT) involves, when it's used and the risks you should be aware of.
Usesfor PDT
PDT can be used to treat abnormal cellsin parts of the body a light source can reach, such as the skin, eyes, mouth, oesophagus (gullet) and lungs.Conditions sometimes treated with PDT include: actini
Whathappens during PDT
PDT is carried out in two stages.1) Preparation First, you'll need to come into the hospital or clinic to be given the light-sensitive medication. Depending on the area of the body being treated, the
AfterPDT
If your skin was treated, it'll be covered by a dressing that should remain in place for about a day. Your care team will tell you exactly how long.Try to avoid scratching or knocking the treated area
Risksand side effects of PDT
PDT is a very safe treatment,although the following side effects are common: a burning or stinging sensation while the light treatment is carried out this usually passes soon after the treatment finis
NGPDTand sonodynamic therapy
PDT as described above is an effective and licensed treatment for a number of conditions.It shouldn't be confused with the unproven, unlicensed versions sold by some private clinics in the UK and over
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