How is Levulan involved with Photodynamic Therapy? - Photodynamic Therapy Questions & Answers


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How is Levulan involved with Photodynamic Therapy?

Is Levulan a brand name of photodynamic therapy? What is it exactly?

The information provided by medical professionals in the Q&A is for informational purposes only, and is not a substitute for individualized medical advice, diagnosis or treatment by a qualified health care provider.

Answers

Replied on 1/12/2010

By: Esta Kronberg, M.D. | Board Certified Dermatologist
Houston, TX

Levulan is the topical Photodynamic chemical applied to the skin that causes the desired reaction of the skin and the chosen light treatment. It can be used to treat acne, pre -skin cancers, skin cancers and rejuvenation.

Replied on 1/12/2010

By: Celibre Medical Corporation | Laser Dermatology & Injections
Orange, CA

Amino Levulanic Acid (Levulan) us a photosensitizing drug used in photodynamic therapy treatments. To start the photodynamic therapy treatments, your practitioner will apply Levulan to the face, back or other area being treated. During the "incubation period" (the time after Levulan has been applied to the skin), the Levulan will be absorbed into cells in the skin that reproduce most quickly. These cells are actinic keratosis cells (pre-cancerous) and the cells within the sebaceous (oil) gland. At the end of the incubation period, the excess Levulan is removed from the surface of the skin. A laser or
other light based device is then used to "activate" the Levulan. The bright light is absorbed the excess Levulan in the skin, heating it up and destroying cells in the target area - the precancerous lesions or the sebaceous (oil) glands.

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