Photodynamic Therapy (PDT)

What is Metvix® PDT?
PDT stands for photodynamic therapy. Metvix PDT is an effective treatment for some non-melanoma skin cancers (NMSCs) as well as certain types of pre-cancerous lesions. Although they are known medically as superficial and nodular (or solar keratoses), your doctor might refer to them as BCCs and AKs, or simply 'lesions'.

How does Metvix® PDT work?
Metvix PDT uses a different approach to the treatment of these lesions in comparison to conventional treatments. It is a simple, non-invasive treatment that consists of the application of Metvix cream to the lesion(s) followed by its exposure to light from the specifically design Aktilite® lamp. The cells in the lesion absorb the active ingredient from the Metvix cream. When exposed to light from the Aktilite® lamp, a chemical reaction occurs which destroys only the lesion, minimising side effects and the potential for scarring.

What does Metvix® PDT involve?
Treatment with Metvix PDT involves three simple steps. You may have more than one lesion treated at one time.

1. Lesion Preparation
   Before the Metvix cream is applied, the lesion(s) will be prepared by removing scales and crusts and roughening the skin surface. This preparation helps the Metvix cream to be absorbed by the abnormal cells that cause these BCC and AK lesions.
   
2. Application of Metvix PDT
   Metvix cream will then be applied to the lesion and the surrounding area. The area will then be covered with a dressing, which must remain in place for 3 hours. You must not remove this dressing. During this time you are free to leave the surgery, however you should ensure that the lesion is not exposed to very cold air or direct sunlight.
   
3. Exposure to light from the Aktilite® lamp - illumination
   After 3 hours, the dressing will be removed, the treated area wiped clean, and then immediately exposed to light from the Aktilite® lamp for a period of 7 to 9 minutes. This process is called illumination. Due to the selective nature of Metvix cream, healthy skin surrounding the lesion does not need to be protected during the illumination. As a saftey precaution, you will be given goggles to wear during the illumination to protect your eyes from the intense light.
   
   Treatment with Metvix PDT consists of two sessions one week apart.

Will this treatment be painful?
Not everyone experiences pain, however you may experience a stinging or burning sensation during illumination. If you become too uncomfortable, your doctor can pause the light for a short while to relieve your discomfort.

Will I scar?
Metvix cream selectively targets abnormal cells. This level of accuracy means that while the lesion is destroyed, the potential for scarring often associated with other treatment options is significantly diminished with Metvix PDT.

What should I expect after the treatment?
After your treatment, you are advised to keep the treated area clean. It is also recommended that you protect the treated skin from direct sun for a couple of days.

Local discomfort around the lesion site immediately after the treatment is the most common side effect with Metvix PDT. Mild to moderate redness, swelling and inflammation are normal after-treatment responses, which usually resolve rapidly.