Photodynamic therapy has been widely investigated over the past two decades and is emerging as a promising therapeutic modality for skin cancers and several inflammatory diseases. This growing interest is based on the availability of a new simple, effective and safe regimen using the topical application of a pro-drug, 5-aminolevulinic acid, as well as on the development of new "second generation" photosensitizers, namely 5-aminolevulinic acid-esters, phthalocyanines, chlorins, porphycenes and hypericin. In contrast to hematoporphyrin derivatives, these compounds are characterized by short-lasting generalized skin photosensitivity. These dyes are available for either topical or systemic delivery and are well characterized. The basic principles of PDT is more complex than chemotherapy or other pharmacological modalities. PDT involves not only a drug but an otherwise harmless compound that is activated by visible light. The interaction of these two treatment components is PDT. The variability of these both components results in a complexity of the treatment that may disorient the clinician who does not have specific experience in this field. This book aims to focus experimental and clinical findings on PDT in order to attract and direct the attention of a growing number of dermatologists.

This book is the most up-to-date publication on fluorescence diagnostic (FDAP) and photodynamic therapy (PDT) methods used in dermatology. Both techniques are presently world wide introduced as standards for the delineation and the treatment of cutaneous precancerous stages and tumors, which show steadily increasing numbers due to e.g. more frequent sun exposure. Summarizing experiences on more than 5.000 treated patients, it offers a comprehensive information on every aspect of skin tumor detection and treatment. The main part of the book focuses on the clinical aspects giving detailed descriptions on skin tumor detection as well as photodynamic treatment of selected diseases (solar keratoses, basal cell carcinomas, squamous cell carcinomas, Bowen's disease, psoriasis lesions, etc.). The clinically oriented chapters are supplemented by practical guidelines for PDT and FDAP. The included atlas is comprised of 270 high quality color figures allowing daily use as a handbook.

Written by recognised experts, Photodynamic Therapy provides a comprehensive explanation of what PDT is and how it has developed as a technique.

"Sun Protection in Man" looks at the beneficial and harmful effects of solar radiation. The physiological consequences of sun exposure have been systematically studied starting at the end of the nineteenth century and we now have accumulated knowledge about how Caucasian and Asian skins reacts to solar radiation. The chemical effects of solar ultraviolet radiation have been analyzed with particular emphasis during the second half of the twentieth century. Research on micro-organisms has allowed us to understand the mechanisms of UV-induced mutagenesis and photosensitization. Studies with laboratory rodents have opened the path to the understanding of UV-induced immune-depression, carcinogenesis, photo-damage and photo-aging. The results of these studies have enabled other scientists to investigate the same phenomena in human organs such as the skin and the eye. UV radiation damages hair, as well. The present knowledge in these fields is summarized in some of the chapters of this monograph.Mass phenomenon in Europe with the generalization of summer vacations which were a consequence of social reforms introducing the concept of "paid vacations". This created a need for protection and opened a market for sunscreens. This monograph is concerned with sun protection as a whole and is not just "another book on sunscreens". Nonetheless, in these days of general concern, it is important to learn about the efficiency of sunscreens. Several authors discuss how to reduce the number of impinging photons and explain why sunscreens seem to offer less protection than expected. Guidelines are given on how to use sunscreens in everyday life, which are expressed rigorously though clearly, for access to the common reader.Our knowledge on the relationship between sun and humans is at the early stages of development. Industrial and commercial activities are concerned by the development of this knowledge, and rules have been and will be promulgated to guarantee efficacy and safety of sun-products. It is hoped that this monograph will be of interest to the scholar, the layman and the legislator.

This title in the PROCEDURES IN COSMETIC DERMATOLOGY SERIES presents up-to-the-minute, practical guidance on the hottest photodynamic therapy techniques shaping today's practice. Succinctly written and lavishly illustrated, it focuses on procedural how-to's and offer step-by-step advice on proper techniques, pitfalls, and tricks of the trade—so you can refine and hone your skills...and expand your surgical repertoire. You'll find current, to-the-point guidance on the cosmetic use of PDT—edited by a pioneer in the field, Dr. Mitchel P. Goldman. Implement the newest procedures into your practice immediately and confidently—with the outstanding guidance you'll find in this volume of the PROCEDURES IN COSMETIC DERMATOLOGY SERIES. Get the best results when performing PDT for skin diseases, skin cancer and HPV, and skin rejuvenation, especially in aging and sun-damaged skin —all in one concise, accessible volume. Visualize techniques clearly with a wealth of color illustrations and photographs that depict cases as they appear in practice. Know the costs for each light source, and get recommendations from the experts on which light source is best for your practice. Ensure the safety of your clients with post-photodynamic therapy care information sheets for patients. Implement the latest techniques for topical PDT for acne * photorejuvenation * fluorescence diagnosis * and medical uses of PDT.

Photodynamic Therapy (PDT) has become an important treatment modality in medical practice. New and exciting applications continue to emerge and the future of PDT looks brighter and brighter. Dermatologists and other health professionals around the world rely on its therapeutic effect for the treatment of actinic keratoses, non-melanoma skin cancers, acne vulgaris, and various other dermatologic conditions. In this comprehensive yet concise book, world-renowned experts showcase all of the common, everyday uses of PDT in dermatologic offices. They also examine how this beneficial therapy can be utilized to its full capacity. The considerable knowledge presented here renders this publication an indispensable resource for all dermatologists and health professionals who offer their patients this effective, noninvasive procedure.

Comprehensive Series in Photochemical and Photobiological Sciences. Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is increasingly being used amongst health practitioners in combating a variety of disease. This book reviews the current state of development of PDT, and also presents the foreseeable advancements of the field in the next decade. Practitioners in biological sciences, biotechnology and medicinal and pharmaceutical chemistry will find this book an invaluable source of information. Chapters are drawn from research discusses at the 10th International Symposium on Photodynamic Therapy and Photodiagnosis in Clinical Practice in Brixen and are written and edited by leaders in the field. Mirroring the philosophy of that meeting, this book contains an informative balance of the basic sciences and clinical applications of PDT. Following an introduction to PDT, its history, and how techniques have developed, chapter serve as a practical guide for practitioners, covering topics such as sensitizer dosage and light dosage, and examples of relevant studies. The text goes further tp explore areas outside the medical field, such as the impact of PDT on society and the environment, and the economics of therapies. This book is dedicated to the memory of Professor Giulio Jori, and expert in this field, who sadly passed away on the 23rd December 2014.