How to Explore Photodynamic Therapy for Lung Cancer Treatment

When lung cancer occurs, abnormal cells invade and grow on or within the lungs, often causing shortness of breath, chest pain and blood in sputum. A relatively new type of cancer treatment that many patients are beginning to explore is called photodynamic therapy. In photodynamic therapy, the patient is injected with photosensitive drugs and then exposed to laser light therapy. The combination of the two creates a chemical reaction that can kill or considerably weaken cancer cells.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

1. Photodynamic therapy generally takes between 4 and 6 days to complete. It is an outpatient procedure.
2. Photodynamic therapy utilizes photosensitive drugs, which may make you extremely sensitive to light for 4 to 6 weeks following the conclusion of your treatment. Patients are usually encouraged to stay indoors as much as possible during this time. Those who need to go outside should wear protective clothing, such as a hat, long sleeved shirts and sunglasses.
3. There will be roughly a 2 day period in between the administration of the photosensitive drugs and the beginning of the laser light therapy. This is to allow the drugs the chance to bond with the cancerous cells.
4. You may receive a general anesthetic while you undergo the light therapy portion of the treatment.
5. The laser treatment will be given through a bronchoscope for greater access to your lungs.
6. Ask your doctor whether you will need to come back for a second round of laser light therapy. Most patients are asked to report back to the hospital within 2 days of their first treatment to receive further therapy.

Tips & Warnings

• While the side effects of photodynamic therapy are generally mild, you have the right to know about any medications that may alleviate these side effects.
• Undergoing cancer treatment, especially an experimental one, can be a harrowing experience. If you find yourself experiencing extreme anxiety in the days leading up to your treatment, ask your doctor for advice. He or she may be able to prescribe an anxiety medication to help settle your nerves.