Photo Dynamic Therapy (PDT)
Photodynamic Therapy (PDT) is a medical treatment that uses a combination of light, a photosensitizing drug, and oxygen to destroy targeted cells—most commonly cancer cells, precancerous cells, or certain abnormal tissues.
Expert Assessment Matters
What is Photodynamic Therapy (PDT)?
Photodynamic Therapy (PDT) is a well-established, evidence-based treatment used to target sun damage (solar keratoses) and selected superficial skin cancers, including intraepithelial carcinomas (IECs/Bowen’s disease) and superficial basal cell carcinomas (BCCs).
Depending on your condition, one to two treatment sessions are typically required. A specialised photosensitising cream is applied to the skin and allowed to absorb before being activated with a bright light. Once activated, the treatment selectively destroys abnormal or cancerous cells while preserving surrounding healthy skin.
PDT is highly effective and also offers excellent cosmetic outcomes, often improving skin texture and reducing visible sun damage while treating the underlying problem areas.
Treatment at a Glance
Frequently Asked Questions
Your doctor will first confirm the treatment area. Any rough or scaly skin is gently removed to help the cream absorb properly. A photosensitising cream is then applied:
ALA cream – absorbs in about 30 minutesMAL (Metvix) cream – absorbs over 2 hours
After the incubation time, the area is exposed to a bright treatment light for around 10 minutes (blue light for ALA, red light for MAL). This part can feel warm or stinging, but cooling fans, sprays, and local anaesthetic can help make it more comfortable. You may also take paracetamol beforehand if advised by your doctor.
You must avoid all sun exposure on the day of treatment and for 48 hours afterward to prevent an excessive reaction.
PDT is a medical treatment used to target only sun-damaged cells
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