Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is increasingly being used amongst health practitioners in combating a variety of diseases. One common strategy used during this light activated process is to induce the accumulation of significant amounts of a photosensitising agent in the diseased tissue. The naturally occurring amino acid 5-aminovulinic acid (ALA) is used to produce high levels of the photosensitizer, Protoprophyin IX, in the therapy known as ALA-PDT. Written by experts in the field Photodynamic therapy with ALA outlines a variety of clinical approaches to the topic, outlining current applications. These include the use of ALA-PDT and ALA-FD (fluorescence diagnosis) in the areas of dermatology, urology, brain, otorhinolaryngology, gynaecology and gastroenterology. Also included is a chapter that comprehensively reviews the scientific principles of ALA-PDT. Primarily aimed at a clinical audience Photodynamic therapy with ALA should provide a comprehensive review and useful insight into ALA-PDT.

Photodynamic therapy is a proven effective treatment of actinically damaged skin cells, nonmelanoma skin cancers, and acne and other pilosebaceous conditions. As an agent for general facial rejuvenatin it has untapped potential. The current state of PDT therapy and future applications are discussed in detail in this exciting new volume. Throughout, the focus is on evidence-based clinical uses of PDT, including pretreatment regimens, avoidance and management of complications, and posttreatment suggestions.

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

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.

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.

With today's focus on targeted and minimally invasive therapies, photodynamic therapy (PDT) is now being studied and used to combat many disease states and to investigate critical biological questions. This groundbreaking resource brings you the latest advances in photodynamic therapy and offers you a solid understanding of the design, delivery and dosimetry of the three basic ingredients of PDT - photosensitizers, light and oxygen. The book covers novel areas of mechanistic and innovative translational approaches. Moreover, it gives you an overview of the important medical applications of PDT, including approved treatments, clinical trials, and investigated therapies for cancer and non-malignant diseases.

For centuries, light has been used to cure various diseases. However, it is only recently that a new medical field has arisen. Photodynamic therapy (PDT), also known as photochemotherapy, is a fast growing technique which was initially devoted to cancer care but which is now recognised as a promising treatment technique in a variety of clinical fields. Written by recognised experts, Photodynamic Therapy provides a comprehensive explanation of what PDT is and how it has developed as a technique in areas such as the detection of lung cancer and applications in dermatology, gynaecology and neurosurgery. This book is ideal both as an introduction to PDT and as an informative text for those wishing to expand their knowledge. Practitioners in biological sciences, biotechnology and medicinal and pharmaceutical chemistry will find it an invaluable source of information.