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As the video suggests, developments in photodynamic therapy are focused on conditions which have become common. Over 200,000 cases of skin cancer are diagnosed in the UK each year, with actinic keratosis often undiagnosed.
The principle of using sunlight for treatment is not new. Hippocrates promoted what he called heliotherapy 2,400 years ago, physicians from other civilisations did the same, although time passed before significant advances.
At the beginning of the 20th century, the benefits of additional agents began to be understood. Human trials on effective photosensitisers in the 1970s & 80s brought more knowledge, stable solutions and a focus on skin cancer.
In the 21st century, PDT has become a leading treatment for non melanoma skin cancers, although new technology to deliver the treatment adds value.
Providing A Solution
In the standard form, patients may perceive PDT as painful. Better if they are treated in a low dose, consistent environment they find more comfortable.
The Indoor Lux system we have installed is adapted to fit the room and avoids any direct contact with light sources. Luminaires are recessed into a prefabricated ceiling, which is otherwise normal in appearance.
Unlike natural daylight, the system is available all day, every day of the year. Your dermatologist can control and target treatment, yet this could not be provided in a more relaxed, non invasive way.
Monitoring by practice staff is open access, helping to enhance safety. The controlled light holds no UV rays and is within a spectrum offering wider therapeutic effects, able to improve the skin’s appearance.
The only addition to the light to make treatment effective is a nanoemulsion applied to your skin. This contains a compound which helps to ensure the light therapy targets cells which require treatment.
Controlled Intervention
Simulated daylight PDT works by selectively destroying tumour cells, while sparing healthy surrounding tissue. The energy needed to achieve this is always available, yet at no stage is the dosage excessive.
Whilst PDT is effective on early stage squamous cell carcinoma and other skin cancers, actinic keratosis is a particular target. A condition which often does not receive the level of care this warrants.
Research on Northern European skin types has shown that only 6% of actinic keratoses receive suitable treatment. This should be set against the knowledge that 10% of cases will lead to squamous cell carcinoma.
Neither can anyone tell which lesions will evolve into more dangerous forms, the reason why effective treatment should be a standard approach.
Breadth Of Treatment
There will be cases where modern photodynamic therapy lamps are the right answer but simulated daylight PDT offer a better solution for many.
Consistency is built in, pain and stress removed, there is no reliance on the weather, or seasons, as there would be using natural daylight. The Indoor Lux treatment system uses technology to eliminate downsides.
You are welcome to read research on daylight PDT, or talk to our staff to see if this will suit you. Each case is unique, although the power of this state of the art treatment is safe and widely appropriate.