PDT in clinics: indications, results, and markets.
Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is based on the selective light activation of an exogenously given drug to patients. PDT acts mainly on cell membranes either of neovascular endothelial cells or of cancer cells leading to cancer cell death. Six drugs are now marketed based on clinical assays in various indications, which showed a clear cost efficiency as compared to other classical procedures. PDT is easy to handle and can be performed in medical installations fitting the conditions of health care in developing countries. Its cost effectiveness could represent an appropriate solution to the increasing number of cancers of various origin. However despite all the clinical results now available, PDT development remains slow. The reasons for this situation include cost of development, intellectual property, and competition between pharmaceutical companies.
Patrice
Thierry
T
Département Laser, Hôspital Laënnec, 44093 Nantes, France. patrice.laserdpt@wanadoo.fr
Olivier
David
D
Bourre
Ludovic
L
D000554:Ambulatory Care Facilities; D001471:Barrett Esophagus / Q000188:drug therapy; D001932:Brain Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy; D018281:Cholangiocarcinoma / Q000188:drug therapy; D005909:Glioblastoma / Q000188:drug therapy; D019981:Health Care Sector; D006801:Humans; D007642:Keratosis / Q000188:drug therapy; D008113:Liver Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy; D008268:Macular Degeneration / Q000188:drug therapy; D010039:Otorhinolaryngologic Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy; D010166:Palliative Care; D010778:Photochemotherapy / Q000191:economics; D017319:Photosensitizing Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use
D017319:Photosensitizing Agents