A photodynamic therapy for ampullary cancer

This case study describes the application of photodynamic therapy for palliative care in an older patient with inoperable pancreatic cancer. For this procedure, a photosensitizing drug is applied endoscopically followed by a laser light beam that is directed onto the tumor, facilitating a photochemical reaction. The photodynamic drug becomes cytotoxic in this process, working to destroy the neoplastic tissue. In this case study, the procedure was performed by an endoscopic surgeon in the operating room at a large Midwestern academic medical center. The details of application of photodynamic laser therapy, which frequently alleviates discomfort for patients who otherwise have few options, is described for this patient.