How Do You Understand The Side Effects Of Photodynamic Therapy?
An emerging treatment for those diagnosed with lung or esophageal cancer is photodynamic therapy. Patients who receive photodynamic therapy are usually given an injection of the photosensitive drug Photofrin™ followed up by a series of laser light treatments. The combination of these 2 methods creates a chemical reaction that is lethal to cancerous cells, but can also cause a variety of side effects. Before you begin treatment, it’s important to understand exactly what these effects are and how you can combat them. Expect to stay mostly indoors for 4 to 6 weeks. The major side effect of photodynamic therapy is extreme sensitivity to natural or bright artificial lights. This sensitivity will begin immediately after you receive your first treatment of Photofrin™. Stock up on fever reducers. One of the side effects of photodynamic therapy is high internal temperatures, brought on by your body trying to fight off infection. Have a steady supply of prunes or prune juice waiting at home. Con
