Photodynamic therapy is one of the newest mesothelioma treatment options. The process involves giving patients photosensitizing drugs (photosensitizers) that make tumor cells more susceptible to specific wavelengths of light. Through the use of fiber optic cables, laser light is focused on the area of the tumor. This causes the photosensitizer to create a form of oxygen that is toxic to the cancer cells.
Photodynamic therapy has been approved by the FDA for treatment of non-small-cell lung cancer and esophageal cancer. However, photodynamic therapy remains in the early stages of clinical trials.
These clinical trials begin with the doctor injecting the patient with the photosensitizing agent. Over the course of one to three days, the agent is allowed to be absorbed into the body. Photosensitizers are absorbed more quickly and retained longer by tumor cells then healthy cells. This allows the actual light therapy to kill cancer cells, while leaving normal cells relatively unharmed.
Following absorption, treatment continues with the simple use of light. The doctor shines a light on the patient in the area of the tumor for anywhere from a few minutes to a full hour. During this time, the specific light's wavelength causes a toxic form of oxygen to enter cancer cells and destroy them.
To maximize effectiveness, photodynamic therapy may be combined with other forms of conventional mesothelioma therapy, including surgery and chemotherapy.
Side Effects
Photodynamic therapy has the potential to make mesothelioma patients highly susceptible to sunlight. Eyes and skin may be sensitive to light for up to six weeks following therapy. Both long- and short-term exposure to bright light may result in burning or blistering. Other potential side effects include scarring or swelling at the treated area, difficulty breathing, coughing, and stomach pain.
Because photodynamic therapy is still in the clinical trial phase, other side effects may be discovered in the future.
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