Photodynamic therapy for acromegaly

  Photodynamic therapy is a new method to achieve therapeutic purpose by using some specific drugs (photosensitizers, usually porphyrin precursors), dynamically concentrated in the abnormal growth and active proliferation of tissue, under certain wavelengths of light, due to the ingested drug photodynamic sensitization reaction and the production of singlet oxygen and other reactive oxygen species, resulting in the photo-oxidative inactivation of biological macromolecules, and by causing organelle damage and destruction of the target tissue.  Cells infected with HPV are actively proliferating and can specifically concentrate photosensitizers. Exogenous ALA can selectively distribute and accumulate in acromegaly cells and transform into protoporphyrin IX. Using specific wavelengths, energy and suitable time windows for irradiation, target cells can be effectively killed. Especially for subclinical infection and latent infection may also be cleared, thus reducing the recurrence rate. Photodynamic therapy is a simple, highly effective, low recurrence, and painless therapy. Its side effects are mainly burning and tingling sensation or local erythema of varying degrees.