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Natural daylight can be used for photodynamic therapy, although the image tells the story of when good quality light is available.
For actinic keratosis, Bowen’s disease and other early stage skin cancers, photodynamic therapy (PDT) has been a treatment of choice for some years. In combination with photosensitisers, the effect can be remarkable.
PDT is traditionally delivered using a special lamp and there are cases where this remains the best approach. Alternative methods are possible, including outdoor treatment using natural sunlight.
Good quality sunscreen is required, as you are exposing yourself to UV rays that probably caused the skin cancer. Still not ideal and as the image above shows, there are further issues with time of year and time of day.
A Breakthrough Alternative
Ideally, we would persuade the sun to shine at a perfect level all day, every day and only emit light at beneficial wavelengths. A little beyond reality, so a Swiss company have created the artificial equivalent.
Indoor Lux consists of a room within a practice, uniquely adapted to provide what we would like the sun to offer. Constant, controlled dose, ideal wavelength light, 24 hours a day if required, every day of the year.
The secret lies in light arrays tailored to the space, fitted into a suspended ceiling. When the PDT light is not required, the room can be used for other treatment, saving cost for the practice and for patients.
Skin Care Network has just seen such a room built at our practice. Offering state of the art treatment, which we believe our patients deserve.
Treating Prevalent Disorders
Our consultants see a wide range of skin cancers but actinic keratosis is the most common. Photodynamic therapy is the best treatment for this, or for a few other early cancers, or skin disorders.
Being able to offer the treatment in a new way is a pleasure for us and more so for our patients. They can sit in a relaxing chair, read, listen to music, or reflect on the day and they are being treated at the same time.
Research to date has shown the approach to be as effective as any and able to eliminate the discomfort PDT can bring. See more detail on simulated daylight PDT, including a video and research details.