VACO

When I found I had a reoccurrence of the Paget’s in 2006, I was keen to avoid more surgery and more specifically, more nerve damage and consequent nerve pain.  I read in the Daily Mail about Photodynamic Therapy and it seemed an ideal treatment for this condition so I did more research and found the following information http://www.christie.nhs.uk/patients/booklets/text/pdt invaluable.

The following is a quote from the Consultant Oncologist who is now responsible for my treatment, for those who wish to know a little more about the workings of PDT:-

"The three fundamental elements of PDT are oxygen, a photosensitiser, and visible light. The photosensitiser may be applied topically or occasionally given systemically. It is selectively taken up by the tumor and is activated by the light at a wave length of 630 nm. It then interacts with molecular oxygen to produce an excited state-reactive singlet oxygen.  This moity is highly cytotoxic and leads to the destruction of tumour cells.  PDT is a developing technique which can produce total tumour resolution, while sparing normal tissue.  It is there a minimally invasive procedure with subsequent rapid normal tissue healing and excellent cosmetic results.