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Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is a relatively new therapeutic modality for both neoplastic and non-neoplastic diseases. The PDT process involves light activation in the presence of molecular oxygen and certain molecules known as photosensitizers that are selectively taken up by the target tissue. Knowledge of the healing power of sunlight dates back to the ancient world. Ancient civilizations used sunlight as a therapy for various diseases. Phototherapy, classically referred to as heliotherapy, began in ancient Egypt, Greece, China, Rome and India, but has faced ages of prosperity and decline throughout history. The history of PDT and its development is represented throughout this chapter as a tree, for which the roots represent the origins of PDT. The PDT stages of development, symbolized by the tree trunk, reappeared and were reintroduced by Arnold Rikli, resulting in the first approved PDT drug in 1999. Moreover, the branches of the PDT tree portray the main three components of the PDT process: a photosensitizer, a light source and tissue oxygen, with their combination resulting in the PDT applications. This chapter traces the ancient history of PDT and its stages of development to date for diagnosing and treating various types of cancers, and it ends with a synopsis of the recent trends in PDT applications. |
