Photodynamic therapy for prostate cancer--an emerging approach for organ-confined disease

Since the first report of the use of photodynamic therapy (PDT) for prostate cancer in 1990 it has been investigated as a primary and a salvage treatment, using either whole gland or focal approaches. Since 1990 advances in the transperineal approach to the prostate, coupled with photosensitizers which have a short drug-light interval and minimal skin phototoxicity, have resulted in major advances in the field. This review will look at the work done to date, and the ongoing studies which help to define the place of PDT as a useful treatment modality for organ-confined prostate cancer.