Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is a light-activated modality using exogenous chromophore. The costly components of this therapy are the photosensitizers and lasers which are used typically as the illumination source. Although compared to oncology drugs, photosensitizers are, in general less expensive, the cost is not trivial. Additionally, a major expense associated with the modality could be the light source. We are beginning to see a move toward lowering sensitizer costs by using generic molecules and instrumentation by including light emitting diodes and battery, even solar battery powered devices. The use of smart phones to incorporate simple imaging for treatment guidance or target localization are additional low-cost options. These are potentially exciting developments and might increase the penetration of the technology further.

Date Published: 4 March 2019
PDF
Proc. SPIE 10860, Optical Methods for Tumor Treatment and Detection: Mechanisms and Techniques in Photodynamic Therapy XXVIII, 1086003 (4 March 2019); doi: 10.1117/12.2515350

Published in SPIE Proceedings Vol. 10860:
Optical Methods for Tumor Treatment and Detection: Mechanisms and Techniques in Photodynamic Therapy XXVIII
David H. Kessel; Tayyaba Hasan, Editor(s)