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Photodynamic Therapy (PDT)

What is Photodynamic Therapy Treatment?

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is a technique for treating skin cancers and sun-damaged skin, which could turn cancerous if left untreated.

Photodynamic treatment involves the use of photochemical reactions created through the interaction of photosensitizing agents (which by itself is harmless), light, and oxygen for the treatment of malignant or benign skin diseases.

Daylight PDT is also offered at CCL.

This interaction causes changes in the sun-damaged skin cell, which leads to cell death. The area of skin exposed to the light source will be affected and inflamed. Once the inflammation clears, normal cells recover whereas damaged cells do not.

At Cancer Centre London we use Metvix or Ameluz cream as the photosensitizing agent and the Aktilite Red light as the light source. Our treatment equipment is supplied and supported by Galderma.

Which skin conditions are treated with Photodynamic Therapy?

PDT can be used to treat various skin conditions including Malignant Non-Melanoma.

Treatment

PDT is an outpatient procedure, and will be performed by an experienced radiographer who specialises in treating skin conditions. Depending on the diagnosis two PDT treatments will be administered exactly one week apart.

The treatment itself is a two-step procedure and it takes several hours to complete. Full details will be provided in advance of your treatment.

The choice to see who you want, when you want

We believe that our patients should have the choice the see the consultant they want to, and we will make sure we fit our specialist care around you.

Treatments are delivered by our experienced and dedicated multidisciplinary team in our peaceful, private and state-of-the-art facilities.

Whatever you choose, our expert team will support and guide you through your course of treatment, ensuring that you are fully informed about every aspect of your care. Find out more about the care we provide at CCL and our values here.

Book now

If you have any questions about photodynamic treatment or would like to book an appointment with one of our specialists, complete this form online or call 020 8247 3351.

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Cancer Centre London

Parkside Hospital