Photodynamic Therapy in Cutaneous Malignancy

Morton, Colin Andrew (1998) Photodynamic Therapy in Cutaneous Malignancy. MD thesis, University of Glasgow.

Abstract

Introduction: The aim of this thesis was to critically evaluate the potential of photodynamic therapy (PDT), using a novel non-laser light source and a topically active photosensitizing agent, 5-aminolaevulinic acid (5-ALA), for use in the management of skin cancer. PDT primarily acts via the activation by visible light, of a photosensitizer located within the neoplastic tissue, to produce activated oxygen species, especially singlet oxygen, in order to promote tumour destruction. Lasers have been the usual source of irradiation in PDT although coherence of light is not required. Recent developments in light technology have enabled the production of a relatively inexpensive non-coherent light source of similar intensity and wavelength to laser. The development of a topically active agent, 5-aminolaevulinic acid (5-ALA), converted within cells to the active photosensitizer, protoporphyrin IX, can now avoid prolonged generalized photosensitivity reactions which limited the development of PDT as a practical clinical therapy. Published clinical data on ALA-PDT available at the commencement of this thesis related predominantly to the use of lasers in open studies, with short term follow-up. The potential of non-laser light had received only limited interest and no randomized comparison trials of PDT had been undertaken. (Abstract shortened by ProQuest.).

• Item Type: Thesis (MD)
• Qualification Level: Doctoral
• Additional Information: Adviser: R M Mackie
• Keywords: Medicine, Biophysics, Nuclear physics and radiation
• Date of Award: 1998
• Depositing User: Enlighten Team
• Unique ID: glathesis:1998-75419
• Copyright: Copyright of this thesis is held by the author.
• Date Deposited: 19 Nov 2019 20:10
• Last Modified: 19 Nov 2019 20:10
• URI: https://theses.gla.ac.uk/id/eprint/75419