Photodynamic therapy was initially used to treat skin cancer. While that’s still its primary use, it’s also used to treat other types of cancers and conditions.
FDA-Approved Uses
PDT has been approved to treat the following conditions.
Actinic Keratoses (Precancerous Skin Lesions) PDT is approved for treating actinic keratoses, particularly on the face, scalp, and arms, says Aaron Farberg, MD, a double board-certified dermatologist who specializes in skin cancer, inflammatory diseases, and cosmetic dermatology at Bare Dermatology in Dallas.
Superficial Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC) and Bowen’s Disease PTD is approved to treat superficial basal cell carcinoma and Bowen’s disease, also known as squamous cell carcinoma in situ, says Veena Vanchinathan, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in the Bay Area of California and a member of the American Academy of Dermatology.
“Photodynamic therapy is effective for these conditions because it selectively destroys abnormal cells while sparing healthy tissue,” says Dr. Vanchinathan.
Age-Related Macular Degeneration Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is an eye disease that can blur the center of your vision. PDT is sometimes used to treat wet AMD, usually along with anti-VEGF injections, a medical treatment that helps stop bleeding and leaking from blood vessels in the back of the eye. Light therapy uses a light-sensitive medicine called verteporfin, which is triggered into action when hit by a laser. The goal is to break down the blood vessels causing vision loss.
PDT can also be used as an add-on to anti-VEGF injections for polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy, a type of neurovascular age-related macular degeneration.
People with early to intermediate dry AMD with good vision may also benefit from light therapy. Clinical trials suggest that it slows the progression of vision loss and improves accuracy when reading eye charts.
Certain Types of Cancers Photodynamic therapy can be used as a local treatment for certain types of cancers by producing a form of oxygen called an oxygen radical that kills cancer cells. PDT may also damage blood vessels in the tumor and trigger the immune system to attack tumor cells. Among these cancers are advanced cutaneous T-cell lymphoma, Barrett’s esophagus, esophageal (throat) cancer, and non-small cell lung cancer.
Promising Off‑Label Uses
Research into off-label uses for PDT have found it to be effective for:
Acne Vulgaris Emerging evidence suggests PDT can effectively reduce moderate to severe acne lesions. This is a good option if the patient prefers to avoid topical or oral medications, says Dr. Farberg.
Psoriasis PDT is sometimes used in psoriasis and is considered a promising treatment option that is underutilized.
Rosacea and Other Skin Conditions “Some other less common, off-label uses for PDT include treating rosacea, photoaging of skin (skin changes due to sun damage), and warts,” says Vanchinathan.
Antimicrobial Uses for Infections “PDT is showing potential in wound healing and stimulating the body’s immune response to fight diseases,” says Bruce Robinson, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in New York City.
