Principles of Photodynamic Therapy and Photosensitizers in Dermatology
摘要
The core components of PDT are photosensitizers, light, and oxygen. The theoretical foundation of PDT lies in the process of photodynamic reactions, wherein photosensitizers in their ground state absorb photon energy upon exposure to specific wavelengths of light, such as visible light, near-infrared light, or ultraviolet light, transitioning from the ground state to the singlet excited state. In China, the most widely used photosensitizers are aminolevulinic acid (ALA), hematoporphyrin monomethyl ether (HMME), and hematoporphyrin derivative (HpD). ALA is administered topically on the skin and mucous membrane. Red light with a wavelength of approximately 630 nm is recommended for ALA-PDT. HMME is marketed as a photosensitizer used in the venous system. Currently, port wine stains (PWS) are the sole indication for HMME-PDT. The use of green light with a wavelength of 530 nm is recommended for HMME-PDT. HpD-PDT has therapeutic effects on squamous cell carcinoma, basal cell carcinoma, extramammary Paget’s disease, port wine stains, and other skin diseases. Red LEDs and semiconductor lasers are the most commonly used lasers in HpD-PDT.