Photodynamic Therapy
Photodynamic therapy (PDT) involves injecting a non-toxic photosensitive drug which will quickly (a couple of days) leave healthy cells but remain longer in cancerous ones.
Before the malfunctioning cell ejects the drug a laser is applied which activates the drugs anti-cancer payload and so destroys the cancerous cell.
Because light can only penetrate a limited depth this treatment is only really usefull on areas close to the skin surface. This problem can be overcome if the method is used during surgery and the cancerous areas are therefore exposed.
This treatment is still in the 'test phase' and it is hoped improved photosensitizers will make photodynamic therapy a better option.
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