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Photodynamic Light Treatment for
Psoriasis and Vitiligo
What is Photodynamic Therapy-PDT?
Photodynamic therapy is the use of a
photosensitizing (light sensitive) drug in
combination with light therapy to destroy cancer
cells. It is used for treating cancer cells on
the skins surface or just under the skins
surface (not melanoma) or in the lining of
internal organs and is mainly done as an
outpatient procedure. PDT can only be used to
treat cancers that can be exposed to light.
In the early stages of cancer, PDT may be used
as a curing agent. However, in the advanced
stages, it is mainly used to reduce symptoms.
How does PDT
work?
A light sensitive drug is either applied to the
skin’s surface or injected into the bloodstream
depending on the type of cancer being treated.
The drug then is absorbed by the cancer cells
over a period of time which can vary from a
couple hours to a couple of days depending on
what drug is used. After the waiting period is
over, a light source is applied to the area to
be treated. This activates the drug and the drug
then kills the cancer cells and/or killing the
blood vessels feeding the cancer cells. It also
triggers the immune system to attack the cancer.
What are the side effects of PDT?
After treatment, the area that was exposed to
the light will be sensitive and may be swollen.
Medicine may be prescribed for pain and
discomfort. The photosensitizing drug will cause
the patient’s skin to be very sensitive to
light, therefore caution should be exercised
when venturing outside or even going into a
bright room. It is recommended to keep the
skin’s surface covered for a few days or even a
week or two after the procedure. Even sunscreen
will not protect the skin. Your doctor will
inform you of any precautions you should take.
Other temporary side effects include
constipation and nausea.
For side effects from specific treatment of
different, visit this website:
www.cancerbackup.org.uk/treatments/othertreatments/photodynamictherapy.
The future of PDT
Researches have an optimistic view for the
future of PDT. Newer photosensitizing drugs are
now being developed that may be able to treat in
a more efficient manner. The American Cancer
Society’s website listed the following
advancements in these drugs:
-
They will be
able to treat tumors that are deeper under
the skin or in body tissues.
-
They may be more
selective for cancer cells rather than
normal cells.
-
They may collect
in cancer cells more quickly reducing the
time needed between getting the drug and
receiving the light therapy.
-
They may be
removed from the body more quickly, reducing
the time people need to worry about
photosensitivity reactions.
-
They may start
to respond to small doses of radiation as
well as light allowing doctors to use
smaller amounts of radiation leading to
fewer side effects.
-
Another
advancement is the possibility of using PDT
during surgery to help prevent the
recurrence of cancer on large surface areas.
PDT
in combination with the drug aminolerulinic acid
(ALA) is being studied for the treatment of
basal and squamous cell carcinomas. Researchers
are excited with results showing tumors healing
in one or two sessions. It is even possible that
PDT-ALA may even prevent the development of
sqaumous cell carcinomas. Along with treating
cancer, PDT-ALA has been used for cosmetic
procedures to rejuvenate sun-damaged or aging
skin.
Narrow
Band UVB
Narrow Band UVB has proven to be the most
effective phototherapy treatment option for
thousands of psoriasis patients all over the
world. This is the type of phototherapy used by
our offices. Now with more research being done
every day on conditions such as eczema, vitiligo,
and mycosis fungoides, Narrow Band UVB continues
to show its versatility with its promising
results, further demonstrating that it will
become the phototherapy treatment option of
choice.
Why Narrow Band UVB is different . . .
-
Conventional
broad band UVB lamps emit a variety of
wavelengths ranging from 280-330 nm.
-
Narrow Band UVB
virtually eliminates superfluous and harmful
UV by emitting only wavelengths 311-312 nm.
-
Clinical studies
show the peak therapeutic effectiveness of
UVB to be within the range of 295-313 nm,
but wavelengths below 300 nm can cause
erythema or severe burning and increase
the risk of skin cancer.
Benefits of Narrow Band Phototherapy. . .
-
Eliminating UV in
wavelengths below 311 nm permits higher
intensities and longer exposure times, so
patients can derive the maximum benefit from
phototherapy.
-
This increased
effectiveness permits more aggressive
treatment regimens, resulting in a shorter
course of treatment.
-
Extensive research*
confirms that patients not only avoid the
danger of serious burning from sub-erythemal
exposure, they may also enjoy longer
remission periods after treatment.
-
Remission periods are
similar to those with
PUVA therapy and markedly superior to
broad band UVB treatment. Studies show
38-40 percent of narrow band treated
patients require no additional therapy for
at least 12 months.
Information gathered
from the following sources:
American Cancer Society- www.cancer.org
Cancer Back Up- www.cancerbackup.org
www.news-medical.net
Eximer Laser Light Treatment for Concentrated
Psoriasis and Vitiligo
The EX-308 excimer
laser creates a concentrated, but painless, beam
of ultraviolet light that is delivered to
psoriatic lesions through a handpiece that rests
directly on the skin. By precisely targeting
only active lesions without exposing healthy
skin, the laser safely delivers high-dose
treatment for fast clearing and long remission.
Who is a candidate for treatment?
The laser is ideal for treating mild to moderate
psoriasis. Traditionally hard-to-treat areas
such as knees, elbows, and scalp are easily
treated, thanks to the laser's aiming beam and
adjustable spot size handpiece. The targeted
high-dose therapy can effectively treat stubborn
plaques, even those that have not responded to
other treatments. Unlike topical creams and
gels, treatment with the laser does not require
any daily maintenance. Each patient is unique,
but some patients enjoy several months of
treatment-free remission after completing about
8 laser sessions.
Excimer laser treatments are painless and take
only a few minutes. Equally important, some
patients only need about 8 laser treatments, as
opposed to 30 or more conventional booth
sessions.
Is
Excimer treatment safe?
The laser may have fewer shortcomings than many
common psoriasis treatments. Due to the targeted
nature of laser therapy, healthy skin is not
exposed to the ultraviolet light. This may
reduce the risk of premature skin aging that is
often associated with lamp phototherapy. There
is no thinning of the skin, easy bruising, or
stretch marks often caused by steroids, nor any
of the systemic side effects caused by some oral
medications.
What can I expect during treatment?
Treatment will take place in your doctor's
office. First, your doctor will determine the
best dosage level for you. Then, the doctor will
place the handpiece directly on the psoriatic
lesions and apply the laser therapy. You will
hear a gentle hum and see a blue colored light
from the handpiece tip. Most treatments take
only a few minutes. Most patients experience no
pain or discomfort. A few patients may feel
slight warmth shortly after treatment. This
warmth is mild and short-lived. No anesthesia is
needed.
How many treatment sessions will I need?
Your doctor will create a customized course of
therapy for you based upon the extent,
thickness, and location of the lesions. Some
patients enjoy clearing after about 8 sessions.
No extensive preparation is required for laser
therapy. Just ensure that the skin to be treated
is clean, dry, and free of any make-up, lotion,
or creams containing SPF protection.
Are there
side effects?
The side effects of laser therapy are minimal.
Most patients report no side effects. A few
patients have reported a mild and short-lived
redness at the lesion site. More serious side
effects such as blistering and
hyper-pigmentation are rare and short-lived.
Are Eximer treatments covered by insurance?
Many national, state, and local insurance
companies cover the laser treatment, but
coverage levels will vary by plan. Talk to your
doctor's billing staff for details about your
insurance coverage.
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Photodynamic Therapy
Eximer Laser
Treatment
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