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. 2013 Jan;46(1):24-9.
doi: 10.5946/ce.2013.46.1.24. Epub 2013 Jan 31.

Photodynamic Therapy (PDT): PDT Mechanisms

Ron R Allison  1 , Keyvan Moghissi
Affiliations

Photodynamic Therapy (PDT): PDT Mechanisms

Ron R Allison et al. Clin Endosc. 2013 Jan.

Abstract

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is a light based therapy used to ablate tumors. As practiced in oncology a photosensitizing agent is applied and then activated by a specific wavelength and energy of light. This light energy in the presence of oxygen will lead to the creation of the photodynamic reaction which is cyto and vasculo toxic. This paper will review the mechanisms of action of PDT and how they may be manipulated to improve clinical outcome in cancer patients.

Keywords: Mechanisms; Photochemotherapy; Photodynamic reaction; Photosensitizing agents.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors have no financial conflicts of interest.

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