Side effects can occur with any type of treatment, but not everyone has them or experiences them in the same way.
Although photodynamic therapy (PDT) does have some side effects, they are less severe than the side effects of other cancer treatments. Side effects of PDT will depend mainly on:
- the area of the body being treated
- the type of photosensitizer used
- the amount of sensitivity to light following treatment
Side effects can happen any time during treatment. Some may happen during, immediately after, or a few days or weeks after treatment. Most side effects go away when treatment is over and generally people do not have side effects that persist on a long-term basis after PDT once the time for photosensitivity reactions passes.
It is important to report side effects to the healthcare team.
Sensitivity to light
The photosensitizer used in PDT, makes the skin and eyes sensitive to light (photosensitive) for 4 – 6 weeks or more after treatment. The length of photosensitivity is different for each person and also depends on the photosensitizer used. Some indoor light, such as the light from watching television, can help break down the drug in the skin and eventually it becomes less photosensitive.
It takes only a few minutes for a reaction to occur, so it is important to protect the eyes and skin from exposure.
- Avoid direct sunlight, bright indoor light and use precautions to prevent photosensitivity reactions for at least 30 days.
- Use shades or curtains on windows if the sun is bright.
- When going outdoors cover up as much skin as possible, even on cloudy days or while in the car. Wear protective clothing, including a wide brimmed hat, gloves, long sleeved tops, pants, socks, shoes and dark sunglasses. Hold clothes up to a bright light to make sure no light comes through. Sunscreen protects against ultraviolet light, so it will not prevent a photosensitivity reaction. Don’t rely on sunscreen alone. Limit time outdoors, especially between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m., when the sun's rays are at their strongest.
- Use a low heat setting on hand-held hair dryers to avoid burns to the scalp. Do not use helmet-type hair dryers, such as those used in beauty salons.
- Ask the doctor when and how to test the skin for photosensitivity. This is usually done about 30 days after receiving the photosensitizing drug.
Report blistered, red, or swollen skin to your doctor right away.
Pain
Pain-relieving medications are used if needed. If pain persists or pain medications do not relieve the pain, check with your doctor.
Swelling
Some swelling may occur and depends on the area being treated. Swelling may cause problems such as chest or abdominal pain and difficulty breathing. Drugs such as corticosteroids may be used to reduce inflammation.
Report chest pain, shortness of breath or abdominal pain to your doctor or the healthcare team.
If the esophagus is treated
PDT to the esophagus can cause:
- nausea
- vomiting
- fever
- difficulty swallowing
- infection
Medications may be used for nausea and vomiting and to treat infection.
Report persistent or increasing difficulty in swallowing fluids and foods to your doctor or the healthcare team.
If the lung is treated
PDT to the lung can cause:
- fever
- infection (bronchitis, pneumonia)
Medication may be used to treat infection.
Report shortness of breath, fever or persistent coughing to your doctor or the healthcare team.
If the bladder is treated
PDT to the bladder can cause:
- bladder irritation
- pain during urination
Report difficulty urinating or blood in the urine to your doctor or the healthcare team.