This fall Bueno will begin a Phase II study to measure PDT's effect on life expectancy. BWH, Massachusetts General Hospital, and Beth Israel Deaconess are some of the few medical centers in New England that offer PDT for lung cancer patients. Some Complications Because skin cells retain Photofrin longer than other cells, the main side effect of PDT is photosensitivity. To prevent sunburn, redness, and swelling after receiving the drug, patients must exercise caution for four to six weeks. They are advised to stay away from direct sunlight and high-intensity reading lamps and to avoid going outdoors until after sundown.
Constipation is another common adverse reaction.
PDT has also been approved by the FDA for the treatment of late-stage esophageal cancer. Conventional therapy means a five-hour operation in which most of the esophagus is removed. In contrast, the laser procedure takes between 10 and 15 minutes to perform on each tumor and in almost all cases can save the patient's organ and digestive function. It is also being tested for treating psoriasis, atherosclerosis, and macular degeneration. Although there is no cure for advanced disease, about 80 percent of cases can be cured when caught early.