Oncologic Applications Of Photodynamic Therapy, Including Barrett Esophagus

Photodynamic therapy (PDT; also called phototherapy, photoradiotherapy, photosensitizing therapy, or photochemotherapy) is an ablative treatment that uses a photosensitizing agent to expose tumor cells to a light source of a specific wavelength for the purpose of damaging the cells. After administration of the photosensitizing agent, the target tissue is exposed to light using a variety of laser techniques. For example, a laser fiber may be placed through the channel of the endoscope, or a specialized modified diffuser may be placed via fluoroscopic guidance. Treatment for tumor cells occurs through selective retention of the photosensitizing agent and the selective delivery of light.