Photothermal Therapy

Photothermal therapy (PTT) is an experimental use of electromagnetic radiation (most often in the form of infrared) that is proposed to treat various medical conditions, including cancer. The basic model for its use is derived in part from photodynamic therapy, in which a photosensitizer is excited with specific band light. This activation brings the sensitizer to an excited state where it then releases vibrational energy (heat). The heat is the actual method of therapy that kills the targeted cells.

Unlike photodynamic therapy, photothermal therapy does not require oxygen to interact with the target cells or tissues. Current studies also show that photothermal therapy is able to use longer wavelength light, which is less energetic and therefore less harmful to other cells and tissues.

Some research has indicated problems with aggregation of the photosensitizers, local shock waves, hyperthermic effects, but otherwise little phototoxicity.

Many of the side effects and complications, as well as the potential applications of photothermal therapy, are unknown.