Esophageal Cancer Treatment – Photodynamic Therapy

Photodynamic Therapy for Esophageal Cancer

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is a promising and innovative esophageal cancer treatment offered at Cancer Treatment Centers of America (CTCA). PDT is a two-step procedure that is done on an outpatient basis. You will first be injected with a light-activated drug (Photofrin), which targets esophageal cancer cells. Approximately 24 to 48 hours later, a laser light is directed through a scope onto tumor cells, exposing the cancerous tissue to a certain spectrum of light. This special laser light activates the drug, allowing it to destroy esophageal cancer cells while sparing nearby healthy tissue.

Benefits of photodynamic therapy include:

• It is performed on an outpatient basis.
• It is relatively pain free.
• PDT requires minimal sedation.
• It involves less risk than other esophageal cancer treatments, such as surgery.
• There are minimal side effects.

Possible side effects of photodynamic therapy include:

• Local swelling/inflammation, which may occur in and around your esophagus and skin, causing some discomfort.
• All esophageal cancer patients who receive PDT may experience photosensitivity for approximately 30 days due to the continued presence of the drug in your body. From the time you receive an injection of Photofrin, your skin and eyes will become sensitive to bright light. You should avoid exposure to bright light or direct sunlight to prevent sunburn, redness and swelling. Normal indoor lighting, television and computer exposure are fine.

Other potential side effects of PDT may include nausea, fever and/or constipation. These usually subside in 48 to 72 hours after the procedure.

About the light source used:

• A low-power laser is used, which is not the same type of laser as that which is used in laser surgery. The light used in PDT is nonthermal, meaning no heat is involved.
• The laser is administered through a fiberoptic guide, which is passed through an endoscope (a thin tube placed down your throat). Fiberoptic guides are thin, flexible, transparent strands, similar to the thinness of fishing lines. They are specially designed to conduct laser light.

Next Topic: Complementary/Alternative Medicines for Esophageal Cancer