Abstract
The aim of this “wee” book is to give a short overview on photodynamic therapy (PDT) for the skin, for example when used to treat sun damage or skin cancer. PDT can also be used to treat a wide range of cancers and pre-cancers in other organs, from the bowel to the brain.
PDT is unusual as it uses light to trigger a chemical reaction in skin. Before this can happen, a special cream containing a drug is applied to the diseased part of the patient’s skin making this area more sensitive to light. Performing the therapy in a hospital is reasonably straightforward but the underlying mechanisms of the chemical reaction are complex. A wide-range of specialists have been involved in researching and delivering this therapy, which involves physics, biology, chemistry and medicine. We bring these specialisms together in this book, to explain in understandable language how the treatment works, breaking down the science that underpins this fascinating therapy.
PDT is unusual as it uses light to trigger a chemical reaction in skin. Before this can happen, a special cream containing a drug is applied to the diseased part of the patient’s skin making this area more sensitive to light. Performing the therapy in a hospital is reasonably straightforward but the underlying mechanisms of the chemical reaction are complex. A wide-range of specialists have been involved in researching and delivering this therapy, which involves physics, biology, chemistry and medicine. We bring these specialisms together in this book, to explain in understandable language how the treatment works, breaking down the science that underpins this fascinating therapy.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Publisher | University of Dundee |
| Number of pages | 29 |
| DOIs | |
| Publication status | Published - 2020 |
