What is the best light source for PDT? - Photodynamic Therapy Questions & Answers


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What is the best light source for PDT?

I have several different physicians wanting to use different types of lasers to activate the PDT and I'm not sure if the light source will make some sort of difference.

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 3/31/2010

By: Aspen Medical Aesthetics and Laser Clinic | Dr Chris Knuth
Mequon, WI

Good question. PDT can be activated with different light sources and the results are not that much different. There may be some benefits of one light source over another depending on the reason for the PDT. For acne, Blue and/or Red light are typically used. Red light does penetrate deeper than Blue and may be slightly more aggressive for acne. Most of the studies have used Blue light sources. IPL can be used as well, this would be most beneficial?with PDT for facial rejuvenation although Red and Blue light can be used. IPL would be a more aggressive treatment.

Replied on 3/31/2010

By: Rejuve | John Tang, MD.
Click to view specials!!!
Saratoga, CA

No one has done a head to head study so the answer is we don't know which one is the best, though I do think they all work. The most important factor is the experience that the provider has with Levulan.

Replied on 3/30/2010

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

There are several commonly used light sources for PDT including the Blue light (Blu-U), Red Light, IPL and pulsed dye laser. To some extent the answer to your question depends on your skin type and the safety of the treatment. We activate lighter skin types with a pulsed dye laser because it is more powerful. We activate darker skin types with the Blu-U because it is safer. More than likely, the physicians are only suggesting that they activate you with a certain light source because they do not have anything else. There may not be a lot of research comparing these light sources against each other so we are not sure there is a simple answer to your question.

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