What is Photo Dynamic Therapy.

The Skin Centre is located in Benowa Queensland and offers Photo Dynamic Therapy by Dr Michael Freeman, Dermatologist and Laser Specialist.
This procedure is the light activation of light-sensitive pharmaceuticals to treat cancer and other diseases in a non-surgical, minimally-invasive way.

PDT is now in widespread use around the world - including Australia

PDT treats certain types of skin cancer and actinic keratoses.

PDT is also used to treat acne and for facial rejuvenation.

How Does PDT Work?

 A light-sensitive drug is administered  topically. Within a period of three hours, the drug is selectively modified and concentrates in diseased cells while largely clearing from normal tissue. The drug remains inactive until exposed to  light. When applied, the light energy, delivered to the cancer site, chemically activates the active metabolite and creates a toxic form of oxygen which destroys the cancerous and pre-cancerous cells with minimal damage to healthy cells. Most PDT treatment can be performed, on an outpatient basis.

Principal side effects of Photosensitizers include a skin sensitivity to light for only a few hours with topical agents. Inflammation can occur after treatment. The reaction can be painful whilst the light is on (5 to 10 min)

Frequently Asked Questions.

What role does PDT have the moment

PDT is now available  for the treatment of actinic keratoses and superficial Basal cell carcinoma.

Which PDT agents have been trialled in Australia?

ALA has been used by a few Dermatologists to treat Basal cell carcinomas. Some systemic agents have been trialled. Only metvix^®  has been extensively trialled in Australia for both basal cell carcinomas and actinic keratoses.

What other clinical applications does PDT promise to address?

Currently, research is being done on a variety of applications, including: Acne, head and neck cancers, arthritis, psoriasis, inflammatory bowel disease, brain cancer, early-stage gastric cancers, early-stage cervical cancers, cervical dysplasia, and macular degeneration.

Are there risks associated with PDT?

PDT therapy is not carcinogenic. Mostly side effects relate to the photosensitivity.In aproximately 10% of cases significant pain is experienced during the illumination        (approximately 10 minutes)

What laser wavelengths are needed to activate photosensitive drugs used in PDT?

Each PDT drug, because of its unique chemical composition, requires a different wavelength of light to activate it. All current PDT drugs, including those in development, generally fall in the 630nm to 750nm range, the visible red to infrared range.

Why isn't the use of PDT more widespread today?

As Clinicians gain more experience with PDT it is expected to become a mainstream modality for the treatment of cancer and other diseases. Ideally specialist supervision Should be sort as the inappropriate treatment with PDT could lead to a delay in removal of some skin cancers and ultimately disfiguring surgery

Where is PDT Offered?

Approval  for photodynamic therapy with Metvix^® for actinic keratoses in Australia occurred in August 2003. The Skin centre now offers Metvix^®  Photodynamic therapy.

Contact Us at The Skin Centre.
By Telephone: +61 7 5597 7170
By  Fax:         +61 7 5597 7370