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You are here: Cancer information / Diagnosis and treatment / Photodynamic therapy / Procedure

Glossary

Procedure

The main steps in photodynamic therapy (PDT) include:

  • preparation
    • medical assessment to see if the person is a good candidate for PDT
    • physical preparation such as imaging tests
    • signing a consent for the procedure (informed consent)
    • receiving the photosensitizing drug
  • therapy
    • usually done on an outpatient basis, but the person may be admitted to hospital until they recover
    • light from a laser is used to activate the photosensitizing drug
  • aftercare
    • care immediately after the treatment and follow-up

References

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