Introduction

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is a treatment that involves the use of light-sensitive medication and a light source to destroy abnormal cells.

It can be used to treat some skin and eye conditions, as well as certain types of cancer.

On their own, the medication and light source are harmless, but when the medication is exposed to the light, it activates and causes a reaction that damages nearby cells.

This allows small abnormal areas of tissue to be treated without the need for surgery.

This page covers:

Uses for PDT

What happens during PDT

After treatment

Risks and side effects

"Next-generation" PDT (NGPDT) and sonodynamic therapy (SDT)

Content supplied by the NHS Website

Medically Reviewed by a doctor on 30 Nov 2016