What to Know About Photodynamic Therapy (PDT) for Lung Cancer
Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is a newer type of treatment. It is used for non-small cell lung cancer. Its goal is to ease symptoms. It’s also used to treat very small tumors in people who cannot have the usual treatments. PDT is a laser therapy. It’s used with a light-activated drug called Photofrin (porfimer sodium). You get this treatment in an outpatient facility. That may be a clinic or the hospital. But you don’t have to stay the night in the hospital. For this treatment, you see a doctor who specializes in lungs, called a pulmonologist. The doctor injects the drug into your bloodstream. Then the cancer cells absorb it. You’ll need to go back to the clinic 48 hours later. Then you’ll be treated with a special laser light that destroys the cancer cells.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved PDT to treat non-small cell lung cancer in its early stages.
Common Side Effects After PDT for Lung Cancer
It may take you a few weeks after photodynamic therapy to feel better. During that time, your eyes and skin may be sensitive to light. Your doctor will advise you to stay out of the sun and other bright lights. You may also need to work with your doctor or nurse to manage these side effects:
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coughing
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trouble swallowing
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pain when breathing
These effects of PDT should go away or get better within a few weeks after your treatment ends.
