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Photodynamic Therapy (PDT) – Precision Light-Based Treatment for Prostate Cancer

At St. George Hospital, we offer a cutting-edge option for localized prostate cancer: Photodynamic Therapy (PDT). This minimally invasive procedure combines a photosensitizing agent with targeted laser light to selectively destroy cancerous prostate cells while preserving surrounding healthy tissue. PDT offers an effective and organ-sparing alternative to surgery or radiation — with fewer side effects and a shorter recovery time.

KNOW HOW IT WORKS

How PDT Works

  • A light-sensitive compound (e.g. Indocyanine Green or Padeliporfin) is administered intravenously and accumulates in tumor tissue
  • After an activation period, a laser probe is inserted transurethrally into the prostate.
  • The laser light activates the compound, creating reactive oxygen species(ROS) that destroy cancer cells from within.
  • The surrounding tissue is spared, as the reaction is limited to areas where the compound is present and light reaches.

Benefits of Photodynamic Therapy

  • Minimally invasive: No surgical cutting or removal
  • Tissue-sparing: Preserves urinary and sexual function• Repeatable: Can be performed more than once if needed
  • Outpatient-friendly: Often done without long hospitalization
  • Targeted: Reduces risk of overtreatment in early-stage prostate cancer

Ideal Candidates

PDT is particularly suitable for:

  • Patients with localized, low- to intermediate-risk prostate cancer
  • Men seeking organ-preserving alternatives
  • Individuals who are medically unfit or unwilling to undergo surgery or radiation
  • Cases where active surveillance is no longer sufficient but radical therapy is too aggressive

Procedure Overview

  • Step 1: Intravenous administration of photosensitizer
  • Step 2: Waiting period to allow selective tumor accumulation
  • Step 3: Laser activation via catheter (transurethral or perineal)
  • Step 4: Real-time monitoring
  • Step 5: Post-treatment imaging, PSA tracking, and follow-up

Multiple studies confirm the efficacy of vascular-targeted PDT for prostate cancer. A pivotal randomized trial published in The Lancet Oncology (2017) showed that men treated with Padeliporfin-based PDT had significantly lower progression rates compared to those under active surveillance, without the typical side effects of surgery or radiation (Lancet Oncol. 2017;18(2):181–191). The treatment is CE-certified and widely used across Europe.

Dr. med. Deyana Uzunova

- Dr. med. Deyana Uzunova, Urologist of Klinik St. George

Photodynamic Therapy offers a bridge between active surveillance and radical intervention. It’s precision oncology — light-guided, minimally invasive, and patient-centered.”– Dr. med. Deyana Uzunova, Urologist

Looking for a less invasive way to treat your prostate cancer?

Learn more about the benefits of Photodynamic Therapy at St. George Hospital.

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