Photodynamic therapy (PDT)

Photodynamic therapy (PDT)

Photodynamic therapy is a method of treating localised skin abnormalities and cancers. The treatment consists of applying a special cream, Metvix, to the skin growth and 4 to 6 hours later shining a pure red light on it. The cream contains methyl aminolevulinate, which becomes active when exposed to light of a certain wavelength. This substance makes abnormal skin cells extra sensitive to light.

When do we use PDT?

PDT can be used to treat certain types of skin cancer and pre-cancerous cells:

• Basal cell carcinoma (BCC), particularly the superficial variant
• Bowen’s disease (BD)
• Actinic keratosis (AK)

This therapy has the advantage that large skin areas can be treated without surgery. Moreover, the treatment reduces the risk of scarring.