Photodynamic therapy

Information about photodynamic therapy

The mechanism of action of photodynamic therapy is based on the selective destruction of diseased or damaged cells through oxidation induced by a topical photosensitising agent. Once this agent is activated by exposure to a light source with a specific wavelength and sufficient energy, it leads to the destruction of the target cells without damaging surrounding healthy tissue.

This is a non-invasive procedure that achieves excellent therapeutic outcomes while avoiding surgery and other invasive treatments, and it also provides excellent cosmetic results.

To perform photodynamic therapy, three essential elements must be present:

What photodynamic therapy involves

First, curettage of the lesion to be treated is performed, either using a laser or a dermatological curette (an instrument used to gently scrape the surface of warts, basal cell carcinomas, or to obtain biopsies).

Next, a photosensitising cream is applied to the pre-treated lesion and covered with an opaque dressing. The product is left to act for approximately three hours, during which time the patient can carry on with normal daily activities.

After this period, the patient returns to the clinic and the treated area is exposed to the light source that activates the oxidative destruction of the tumoural or precancerous tissue. This light exposure lasts only a few minutes, after which the patient can return home until the next session.

Depending on the type of tumour and the surface area to be treated, the therapy consists of one or two sessions, spaced two to three weeks apart. Unlike other cancer treatments such as radiotherapy, photodynamic therapy can be repeated multiple times in the same area if necessary.

Photodynamic therapy has demonstrated high effectiveness in the treatment of superficial skin tumours, with cure rates comparable to other therapeutic options such as surgery or cryotherapy, while offering superior cosmetic outcomes.

Indications for photodynamic therapy

Photodynamic therapy is primarily indicated for the treatment of actinic keratoses (precancerous changes caused by excessive ultraviolet radiation), precancerous skin lesions, and superficial and nodular basal cell carcinomas. Another condition treated with photodynamic therapy is Bowen’s disease, which is an in situ (non-invasive) squamous cell carcinoma.

In addition, multiple studies have demonstrated the effectiveness of photodynamic therapy in inflammatory skin conditions, such as psoriasis, acne, rosacea, condylomas (warts), lichen sclerosus, alopecia areata, and less common disorders such as morphea or sarcoidosis.

“Photodynamic therapy achieves excellent therapeutic outcomes while avoiding surgery and invasive treatments, and also delivers outstanding aesthetic results”

After a photodynamic therapy session

The area treated with photodynamic therapy is usually particularly sensitive to sunlight during the first 24–48 hours. For this reason, we place special emphasis on the use of a broad-spectrum sunscreen with a high protection factor (SPF 50+) during this period.

Photodynamic therapy is a very safe and well-tolerated treatment. The most common side effects include mild redness or irritation in the treated area, which are generally less intense than those associated with other dermatological procedures.

If the recommendation to apply photoprotective cream is not followed, patients may experience burning or increased redness. In addition, inadequate sun protection increases the risk of post-treatment hyperpigmentation.

Photodynamic therapy for facial rejuvenation

The use of photodynamic therapy for skin rejuvenation emerged from observations made during studies on its application in actinic keratoses and skin tumours. These studies showed that, beyond clearing actinic lesions, photodynamic therapy significantly improves skin quality and appearance. In addition to treating precancerous lesions, photodynamic therapy reduces sun-induced pigmentation and enhances skin texture by stimulating neocollagenesis (the production of new collagen), a protein essential for dermal firmness and elasticity.

As a result, photodynamic therapy has become an innovative tool for the prevention and treatment of photoageing, a condition caused by excessive exposure to ultraviolet radiation. Photoageing is characterised by multiple visible signs that give the skin a prematurely aged appearance, including pigmentation, telangiectasias, superficial wrinkles, leathery skin texture, and, in some cases, actinic keratoses. These rough lesions appear on chronically sun-exposed skin and are considered precancerous due to their potential to progress to squamous cell carcinoma.

More information

Below you will find the authorship of the information provided on this page.

Grupo Pedro Jaén is a medical group founded more than three decades ago with the aim of providing medical, surgical and aesthetic solutions related to skin health and appearance. Led by Dr Pedro Jaén, the group has a highly specialised medical team that covers every area of care with top-level specialists, carries out extensive training activities, is a leader in medical research, and operates several clinics in Madrid, from which it offers the highest standards of care and clinical excellence to all patients.

In the Grupo Pedro Jaén Press Room you can find information, advice and news related to dermatology, aesthetic medicine, trichology and general health. The group’s journals are also shared through an online platform, along with updates on the activity and media appearances of our clinics and healthcare professionals.