title: [Photodynamic therapy for head and neck cancer].
abstract: Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is a new treatment for head and neck cancer. The principle of the treatment is a photochemical reaction initiated by light activation of a photosensitizer, which causes the death of the exposed tissue. This article presents the modes of action of PDT and the techniques as well as the clinical procedure. A critical review of the literature is also presented, regarding treatment results of the different techniques and indications for treatments. The possibilities for PDT for head and neck cancer in Denmark are mentioned.
authors.affiliation: H:S Rigshospitalet, Øre-naese-halskirurgisk Klinik og Onkologisk Klinik. lajer@dadlnet.dk
authors.forename: Christel Braemer
authors.initials: CB
authors.lastname: Lajer
authors.forename: Lena K
authors.initials: LK
authors.lastname: Specht
authors.forename: Jørgen
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Kirkegaard
authors.forename: Preben
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Homøe
mesh_terms: D002294:Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000601:surgery; D006258:Head and Neck Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000601:surgery; D006801:Humans; D007430:Intraoperative Care; D010778:Photochemotherapy / Q000379:methods*; D016896:Treatment Outcome