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Local therapy
Photodynamic therapy
A light-activated drug that only acts where the light is shone.
Referral & opinion only
What it is
A photosensitising agent is given, taken up by tissue, then activated by light of a specific wavelength delivered directly to the target. Outside the illuminated area, the drug does nothing.
It is used in a narrow set of situations, some superficial skin cancers, some early oesophageal and airway disease, and for palliation of obstruction.
When it is used
- Selected superficial skin cancers and pre-cancerous change
- Early or obstructing oesophageal and airway lesions
- Where surgery is not appropriate and the lesion is accessible to light
How the decision is made
- Whether the lesion is genuinely accessible, light does not penetrate far, so depth is the limiting factor.
- Availability: very few Indian centres offer it.
- Photosensitivity afterwards, which is a real and temporary restriction on daylight.
At a centre with the light source and the expertise. KPCIRC does not deliver it.
Who does what
What we handle, and what happens elsewhere
KPCIRC handles
- Assessment of whether it is a realistic option
- Referral with a complete file
- Alternatives where it is not available to you
- Follow-up and surveillance afterwards
Performed and billed elsewhere
- The photosensitiser and the procedure
- All light delivery
- After a photosensitiser you will be sensitive to bright light and sunlight for a defined period. Follow the avoidance instructions exactly, sunburn from ordinary daylight is a genuine risk.
Questions to ask your own doctor
Take these with you. They work whether or not you are treated here.
- Is my lesion shallow enough for light to reach?
- Where is this available, and how often do they do it?
- How long am I light-sensitive afterwards?
- What is the alternative?
Support that goes with it
Where this is used
Cancers this commonly forms part of
Not sure this is the right option for you?
That is exactly what a second opinion is for. Bring what you have, we will tell you what is missing and what the alternatives actually are, in writing.