Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is a form of phototherapy involving light and a photosensitizing chemical substance used in conjunction with molecular oxygen to elicit cell death (phototoxicity). PDT is used in treating acne, wet age-related macular degeneration, psoriasis, and herpes. It is used to treat malignant cancers, including head and neck, lung, bladder and skin. Advantages lessen the need for delicate surgery and lengthy recuperation and minimal formation of scar tissue and disfigurement. A side effect is the associated photosensitisation of skin tissue.
In the present book, ten typical literatures about photodynamic therapy published on international authoritative journals were selected to introduce the worldwide newest progress, which contains reviews or original researches on photodynamic therapy. We hope this book can demonstrate advances in photodynamic therapy as well as give references to the researchers, students and other related people.