Photodynamic therapy · PDT and aPDT
Photodynamic laser therapy in Lugano
Photodynamic therapy combines a photosensitive substance with light: the photosensitiser accumulates in the target tissue and, once irradiated, triggers a reaction that acts selectively on that tissue. At the practice we use it in two distinct forms: dermatological PDT, with a cream on the skin, and antimicrobial PDT (aPDT), aimed at pathogens.
- Dermatological PDT: a photosensitising cream on the skin, then red light or laser
- Antimicrobial PDT (aPDT) against bacteria, viruses and parasites
- Interstitial, endoscopic or catheter-based irradiation
How aPDT by infusion works
Administration
The photosensitiser is given by infusion and activated through systemic intravenous laser therapy.
Selective uptake
After about 2–3 hours the substance binds selectively to the target tissue.
Irradiation
The laser irradiates the area locally: interstitially, endoscopically or with a catheter technique.
Local effect
The photodynamic reaction acts on the diseased tissue. The most common side effects are temporary photosensitivity of the skin and local reactions in the treated area, such as pain or redness.
Dermatological PDT
A photosensitising cream (5-ALA or MAL) is applied to the lesion and left under a dressing for about 3 hours; the area is then illuminated with red light or laser.
- Actinic keratoses (early stages of skin cancer)
- Bowen's disease (squamous cell carcinoma in situ)
- Superficial and some thin basal cell carcinomas
A burning sensation or pain can occur during illumination; if needed, measures are used to reduce it.
Antimicrobial PDT (aPDT)
aPDT aims to inactivate bacterial, viral and parasitic pathogens. Instead of binding to diseased tissue, the photosensitiser binds to the pathogens, which are then hit by the laser irradiation.
- Localised infections and colonised chronic wounds
- Chronic inflammatory conditions of infectious origin
- An approach without systemic antibiotics
Photosensitisers: indocyanine green (ICG), chlorin E6, curcumin, hypericin and riboflavin.
Areas of use
Dermatology (PDT)
Actinic keratoses, Bowen's disease and superficial basal cell carcinomas, with dermatological PDT.
Infections (aPDT)
Targeted inactivation of pathogens in localised infections, including where resistance is present.
Supportive therapies
Combined use with intravenous and interstitial laser therapy, within a plan assessed case by case.
Important note
Photodynamic therapy does not replace standard cancer or antimicrobial treatment. It is offered as a complementary treatment, after an individual assessment of the indication, expected benefits and risks, and in coordination with the doctors and specialists who treat you.
Frequently asked questions
How long does a session take?
In dermatological PDT the cream works for about 3 hours before illumination; in aPDT by infusion about 2–3 hours pass between administration and irradiation. Either way, plan the appointment over half a day.
Is it painful?
In dermatological PDT, illumination can burn or hurt; suitable measures can reduce this. In aPDT the irradiation is generally well tolerated; local anaesthesia is used for interstitial or catheter-based applications.
What precautions are needed afterwards?
For a period defined case by case, avoid direct exposure to intense light and sun, because the skin remains temporarily photosensitive.
Who cannot have PDT?
Pregnancy and breastfeeding, some photosensitising medicines and specific clinical conditions are contraindications: they are checked at the consultation.
Is it covered by insurance?
The practice is RME certified and, in Ticino, bills complementary insurers: with complementary insurance, under certain conditions, the treatment can be reimbursed. Patients with basic insurance only receive a clear cost estimate at the visit and pay directly.
Scientific sources
- Morton CA, et al. European Dermatology Forum guidelines on topical photodynamic therapy 2019 Part 1: treatment delivery and established indications. J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol. 2019;33:2225–2238. doi:10.1111/jdv.16017
- Agostinis P, et al. Photodynamic therapy of cancer: an update. CA Cancer J Clin. 2011;61:250–281. doi:10.3322/caac.20114
- Wainwright M, et al. Photoantimicrobials: are we afraid of the light? Lancet Infect Dis. 2017;17:e49–e55. doi:10.1016/S1473-3099(16)30268-7
Related treatments
This therapy is part of Laser therapy.
Not sure which treatment is right for you?
For musculoskeletal pain the practice follows several routes, often combined. The specialist visit, with ultrasound when needed, clarifies which one is indicated in your case.
Rheumatology
Diagnosis and treatment plan: the first visit when the pain is in the joints, back or tendons.
Acupuncture
Needles, needle-free laser or ear acupuncture, performed by a specialist physician.
Interventional pain therapy
Ultrasound-guided injections of joints and soft tissues, with hyaluronic acid or PRP when indicated.
PRP for joints and tendons
Plasma prepared from the patient's own blood and injected into tendons and joints.
The information on this page is for general information only and does not replace medical advice. The indication, expected benefits and risks of every treatment are assessed individually during the specialist consultation.
Let's talk about photodynamic therapy
A specialist consultation to assess the indication and define the most suitable protocol.
We accept referrals and second-opinion requests from your physician, via HIN. dr.djordjevic@hin.ch
How to reach us
In Lugano, a short walk from USI and EOC
The practice is centrally located in Italian-speaking Switzerland, also reachable from Mendrisio, Bellinzona, Locarno and Chiasso, and is easy to reach from Italy, Milan, Como, Varese and Lombardy by car and by train.
By car: the practice's own car park is right in front. By public transport: a short walk from USI.
Address
Via Alessandro Volta 1
6900 Lugano
Opening hours
Monday and Wednesday 08:00–16:30
Friday 08:00–13:30