Clinical Usage of Photodynamic Therapy

Abstract

This chapter will provide a brief overview of the fundamentals of photodynamic therapy with an emphasis on its use in a clinical setting. Beginning with the history and fundamental science underlying photodynamic therapy and delving into clinical uses. There will be a primary focus on understanding the use of photodynamic therapy under currently approved clinical indications along with their limitations. There are a number of approved therapeutic indications for photodynamic therapy, but there are important limitations and contraindications when applying this therapy. Photodynamic therapy, as applied to the clinical treatment of cancer will be the primary focus with further emphasis on endoluminal and specifically endobronchial cancer as the primary case study.

A Gold Nanoparticle Bioconjugate Delivery System for Active Targeted Photodynamic Therapy of Cancer and Cancer Stem Cells

“…Thereafter within two days after injection, irradiation is applied with a light dose of 100–200 J/cm at 630 nm [ 50 ]. Porfimer sodium is recommended for clinical application against early lung cancer, esophageal cancer, and high-grade Barrett’s esophagus [ 51 ].…”