OPPapers.com Essay Index >> Science >> Photodynamic Therapy
We have many free term papers and essays on Photodynamic Therapy. We also have a wide variety of research papers and book reports available to you for free. You can browse our collection of term papers or use our search engine.
Photodynamic Therapy. Photodynamic Therapy A Liu - 2007 - What is phototherapy?
Phototherapy ... What is photodynamic therapy (PDT)? Photodynamic ...
... in the future. One type of promising research is called Photodynamic Therapy.
PDT is a new investigation underway. PDT treats many ...
... tumor. Photodynamic therapy is the use of a special chemical that is injected
into the bloodstream and absorbed by cells. The chemical ...
... Photodynamic therapy uses a certain type of light and a special photosensitive chemical
to kill cancer cells (9., pp 2-5). Malignant melanoma is classified by ...
... Photodynamic therapy uses a certain type of light and a special photosensitive chemical
to kill cancer cells (9., pp 2-5). Malignant melanoma is classified by ...
Submitted by akbliu on May 16, 2008
Category: Science
Words: 8561 | Pages: 35
Views: 54
Popularity Rank: 106,318
Average Member Grade: N/A (Add a Comment / Grade this Paper)
Photodynamic Therapy
A Liu - 2007 -
What is phototherapy?
Phototherapy is essentially the usage of light, usually in specific wavelengths, in the treatment of a varied multitude of conditions. This includes the ultraviolet and infrared wavelengths of light, and not only the visible spectrum.
Phototherapy has been used to treat various skin-related conditions such as acne, psoriasis and eczema. This is when particular wavelengths of light are used. For example, wavelengths of the visible violet light, (present in sunlight, in the range of 400-420nm) activates a porphyrin (porphyrins are deeply coloured natural dyes – known to exist in red-coloured leaves and in red blood cells. They generally have a deep purple, or dark colour) in Propionibacterium acnes which damages and ultimately kills the bacteria. Or for psoriasis and eczema, where a particular ultraviolet wavelength suppresses the immune system and reduces the inflammatory response. Monochromatic infrared light emitted at about 890nm has even been shown effective through limited clinical studies, to help restore sensation and reduce pain in patients with neuropathies, and to improve circulation of non-healing ulcers, thereby increasing overall healing rate. It is believed that the infrared light promotes the release of nitric oxide into the bloodstream, which then increases local circulation and improving blood flow.
In cases of neonatal jaundice, usage of light therapy has shown to be effective, as the light energy creates isomerisation of the bilirubin and consequently transformation into compounds that the newborn can excrete via urine and stools.
Light therapy is even widely known for its use in treating certain affective disorders, such as Seasonal and Non-Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD and NSAD), as well as delayed sleep phase syndrome.
Although light therapy can be extremely useful for these conditions, concerns have been expressed...
You must Login to view the entire paper.
If you are not a member yet, Sign Up for free!