Which cancer treatment method requires a photosensitizing compound followed by laser treatment?

The method that involves using a photosensitizing compound followed by laser treatment is known as Photodynamic therapy. This innovative treatment approach relies on the interaction between a photosensitizer, which is a light-sensitive drug, and light. When the photosensitizer is administered, it accumulates in cancer cells. After a period, a specific wavelength of laser light is applied to the targeted area, activating the photosensitizer. This process leads to the generation of reactive oxygen species, which can destroy the cancer cells while minimizing damage to surrounding healthy tissue.

Photodynamic therapy is particularly effective for certain types of cancers and can be used to treat localized tumors, as well as lesions that are difficult to reach with traditional surgical methods. It is crucial to note that this treatment is distinctly different from other cancer therapies. Unlike chemotherapy, which uses drugs to kill cancer cells throughout the body, or radiation therapy, which employs high-energy radiation to target tumors, photodynamic therapy is specifically designed to leverage the properties of light and photosensitizing compounds to induce cell death in a more localized manner. Immunotherapy, on the other hand, works by stimulating the body’s immune system to more effectively recognize and combat cancer cells.

Understanding these methodologies and their specific mechanisms can