[The clinical application of the photodynamic method for the treatment of malignancies]

The use of the photodynamic method creates new possibilities for the treatment of malignancies. The studies started in 1940 on photosensitizing substances made possible to use this method in clinical practice. Low invasiveness, selectivity of action and practically lack of adverse effects are its undeniable virtues. The effect of photodynamic destruction of malignant tissue is obtained through oxidation processes of cell membrane structures. The earliest changes include blood vessels and the degree of their occlusion depends directly on light dose and the concentration of the photosensitizer. This leads to hypoxia within tumor and its subsequent necrosis. No resistance to this method of treatment nor any recurrences at the site of irradiation have been observed as yet.