Photodynamic Therapy with ALA
Author | : Reinhold Baumgartner |
Publisher | : Royal Society of Chemistry |
Total Pages | : 291 |
Release | : 2007-10-31 |
ISBN-10 | : 9781847555281 |
ISBN-13 | : 1847555284 |
Rating | : 4/5 (81 Downloads) |
Book excerpt: Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is increasingly being used amongst health practitioners in combating a variety of diseases. One common strategy used during this light activated process is to induce the accumulation of significant amounts of a photosensitising agent in the diseased tissue. The naturally occurring amino acid 5-aminovulinic acid (ALA) is used to produce high levels of the photosensitizer, Protoprophyin IX, in the therapy known as ALA-PDT. Written by experts in the field Photodynamic therapy with ALA outlines a variety of clinical approaches to the topic, outlining current applications. These include the use of ALA-PDT and ALA-FD (fluorescence diagnosis) in the areas of dermatology, urology, brain, otorhinolaryngology, gynaecology and gastroenterology. Also included is a chapter that comprehensively reviews the scientific principles of ALA-PDT. Primarily aimed at a clinical audience Photodynamic therapy with ALA should provide a comprehensive review and useful insight into ALA-PDT.