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Photodynamic Therapy - Effective in Cancer Treatment

The treatment, which makes use of a photosensitizer or photosensitizing agent and, a specific type of light is popularly termed as Photodynamic therapy. The nearby cells are killed when the photosensitizers come in contact of the particular wavelength of light.

Different wavelengths of the light affect the photosensitizer, and the ability of the light to travel into the body of an individual is determined by its wavelength. Particular type of wavelengths and photosensitizers are used for treating the particular areas of the body.

This photosensitizing agent is brought in use to treat the cancer. In the bloodstream of the patient, the photosensitizing agent is injected. The agent is then transported in every part of the body through the blood but the area, which is affected by the cancer, retains it longer when compared to other body parts.

In the normal parts of the body, the effect of the agent lasts for around 24 to 72 hours. The cancer cells can be destroyed once the photosensitizer absorbs the light as it produces the oxygen of active form. At times, the photosensitizer does not kill the tumors directly and works indirectly and shrinks the tumors.

As the tumors even need nutrients for their growth, the photosensitizer has the ability to damage the blood vessels so that the nutrients don’t get the sufficient nutrients for their growth. Also, the photosensitizer strengthens the immune system of the body and makes it resistant.

The laser light or some other specific types of lights are used in the photodynamic therapy. For enabling the light to reach the inner parts of the body thin, fibers, which facilitate the passage of light, are used. If the lungs or esophagus is affected by the cancer then the endoscope can be used to transmit the light so that the parts can be treated against cancer.

If a person is affected by skin cancer then the diodes, which emit lights, can be used. Photodynamic therapy can be used supplementary with other therapies like radiation, surgery or chemotherapy.
                  
This therapy is extensively used to treat esophageal cancer and non-small cell lung cancer. The common photosensitizing agent is Photofrin. Where the laser therapy fails in treating the esophageal cancer, porfimer sodium is brought in use and it has the reputation of creating miracles. The limitation of this therapy is that the light fails to pass if the tissues are more than one-third inch. This does not allow the photosensitizers to work properly and hampers the process of the therapy.

This limitation does not make is suitable for treating the cancer which has affected the deep within parts of our body. When we are to treat large tumors it is not advisable to use photodynamic therapy as it does not facilitate the passage of light or when the tumors has affected the major part of your body.

As this therapy has been gaining popularity, continuous research is made in this area to overcome the limitations so that this deadly disease can be combat easily. Tests are being performed to check the result of the therapy for treating the brain, prostrate or the peritoneal cavity cancer. New equipments are being designed so that this method can be used effectively.