Photodynamic Therapy
Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is a minimally invasive treatment used to address superficial skin cancers, pre-cancerous sun damaged skin, and ageing skin. At On Point Skin Cancer Clinic, we offer professional, affordable photodynamic therapy treatment across our clinics in Kangaroo Point (Brisbane), Coomera, Tweed Heads, Currimundi (Sunshine Coast), Noosa, Moreton Bay, and Logan.
What is photodynamic therapy?
Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is a cancer treatment that combines a light-activated drug called a photosensitising cream or photosensitising agent with a specific light source to target and destroy abnormal cells, including cancerous cells and pre-cancerous skin lesions, while preserving healthy tissue and minimising damage to the surrounding healthy tissue.
The photosensitiser is either injected into the bloodstream or applied topically to the treatment area, depending on the condition being treated. Once absorbed, the photosensitizer produces reactive oxygen species when activated by visible light at a certain wavelength. This triggers cell death in the abnormal skin cells, while healthy cells and healthy tissue are largely left unaffected.
The photosensitising agents used in PDT tend to accumulate selectively in abnormal skin cells, which is why the treatment can treat cancer and pre-cancerous conditions so effectively without significant impact on the surrounding healthy tissue. Second generation photosensitisers have further improved the precision of PDT treatments, offering better outcomes across a range of skin conditions.
What can photodynamic therapy treat?
Photodynamic therapy for skin cancer treatment is suitable for a range of superficial skin cancers and skin concerns, including:
- Solar keratoses (actinic keratoses) — pre-cancerous lesions caused by sun damage
- Intraepidermal carcinomas (IECs) / Bowen’s disease — early-stage nonmelanoma skin cancer
- Superficial basal cell carcinoma (BCCs) — a common type of superficial skin cancers
- Daylight PDT — a variation using natural sunlight rather than a controlled light device, suited to sun damaged skin and pre-cancerous lesions across larger areas
PDT is particularly well suited to cosmetically sensitive areas of the body, such as the face, where preserving healthy tissue and minimising scarring is important. The treated area generally heals well compared with more invasive alternatives.
What are the advantages of photodynamic therapy?
PDT offers a number of advantages over traditional cancer treatment options such as surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy. It is a targeted, minimally invasive treatment that can destroy cancerous and pre-cancerous abnormal cells while minimal damage is done to surrounding, healthy tissue.
No lengthy recovery time
Due to its minimally invasive treatment nature, PDT can be performed as an outpatient procedure and does not require a long recovery period. For most patients, this makes it far more convenient and cost-effective than surgical treatment.
A well-tolerated treatment option
Most people tolerate PDT treatments well. The most common side effects are temporary redness and swelling on the treatment site, which typically resolve within a few days to a week. After-effects are generally minimal and manageable.
Limited damage to healthy cells
The absorbed photosensitizers tend to accumulate in abnormal skin cells rather than healthy cells. This means light activation at a specific wavelength can selectively attack tumor cells and tumor cells in the affected area while causing minimal damage to healthy tissue nearby.
The treatment is repeatable
Because PDT is a well-managed and relatively simple procedure, the therapy can be repeated as many times as required. Most patients experience only mild discomfort, making it easy to follow a treatment plan to achieve optimal results.
More cost-effective than other treatment options
As PDT is less invasive than many other cancer treatment options and the cost reflects this. It can also help relieve symptoms and manage sun damaged skin before more intensive intervention is needed, potentially preventing new lesions from developing.
Is photodynamic therapy painful?
Some patients do experience discomfort during the procedure. When the light source is applied, the photosensitising cream can make the skin more sensitive to light, and some people notice a burning sensation or stinging at the treatment site. This is typically mild and manageable with painkillers, and in some cases a local anaesthetic can be used to help with discomfort.
If you have concerns about pain management, please don’t hesitate to contact our friendly team, we can help you put a comfort plan in place before your appointment.
Why choose On Point Skin Cancer?
Same-day appointments available
We know how frustrating it can be to wait weeks for an appointment. That's why we do our best to accommodate same-day appointments and fast turnaround times, so we can look after you sooner.
Healthcare and concession card holders are bulk billed
We are able to bulk bill all healthcare and concession card holders, helping us provide more skin cancer care to more people across our communities.
Doctors dedicated to skin cancer treatment
Our clinics are doctor-owned and led by doctors with training in skin cancer medicine. We offer photodynamic therapy and a full range of skin cancer services, delivered with a focus on clinical excellence and patient care.
Easily accessible locations
With seven clinics across South East Queensland and Northern NSW from Kangaroo Point to Tweed Heads, On Point Skin Cancer is conveniently located wherever you are.
Passionate about skin cancer education
Our dedicated team is passionate about empowering you to make informed decisions about your health. We'll always provide personalised information and advice. Skin cancer is the most common cancer in Australia, with 1 in 3 Australians developing skin cancer in their lifetime. If you haven't had a recent skin check, we recommend booking one today.
Professional and friendly staff
Our team is dedicated to ensuring you have a comfortable, professional experience at every visit. You can expect to be treated with care and respect by our friendly staff at any of our clinics.
What is the cost of photodynamic therapy?
With On Point Skin Cancer, PDT treatments start at $270 for one area. As photodynamic therapy for skin cancer treatment can help manage sun damaged skin and may reduce the need for future surgeries, it represents a sound investment in your long-term skin health.
Healthcare and concession card holders are bulk billed. PDT is not covered by Medicare, but depending on your level of private health insurance cover, you may be partially reimbursed. We recommend checking with your insurer before your appointment.
Ready to get started?
Book your appointment online, our team will confirm your time and guide you through what to expect on the day.
Photodynamic Therapy FAQ
Here are answers to our most frequently asked questions about photodynamic therapy PDT. Still have questions? Our friendly team is happy to help when you come in for your skin check.
On Point Skin Cancer Clinic has seven locations across South East Queensland and Northern NSW: Kangaroo Point (Brisbane), Coomera, Tweed Heads, Currimundi (Sunshine Coast), Noosa, Moreton Bay, and Logan. Book in at your nearest clinic to access photodynamic therapy and our full range of skin cancer services.
We offer a comprehensive range of skin cancer services, including skin check examinations, used to treat skin cancers and UV-related skin conditions, biopsy procedures, cryotherapy, simple and complex excisions, reconstructive excisions, flaps and skin grafts, and removal of sutures.
On the day of your appointment, please come in with completely clean skin. We ask that you wash the affected area beforehand and avoid wearing makeup, moisturiser, sunscreen, or any other products on the treatment area.
After-effects are generally minimal. The treated area may be red and swollen for a few days to a week. In some cases, blistering can occur and may last hours to days. Some patients also notice a burning sensation, itchiness, or temporary discolouration at the treatment site. It is important to avoid direct sunlight and protect the treatment area as instructed, as direct sunlight can aggravate the skin while it is still sensitive to light. Practice good sun protection throughout your recovery.
PDT is not covered by Medicare. However, you may be covered depending on your private health insurance policy and level of coverage. We recommend checking with your insurer to understand your entitlements before your appointment.
Yes — a trained doctor will assess and examine your skin for any unusual or suspicious spots, moles, freckles, and skin lesions during a skin check. If anything concerning is found, we may recommend a biopsy for further testing. All adult Australians should have a skin check at least once every 12 months — even if you have few existing spots, as new lesions can appear in places you don’t regularly see.
Photodynamic light therapy can used to treat a range of superficial skin cancers and pre-cancerous skin conditions, including solar keratoses (actinic keratosis), intraepidermal carcinomas (IECs / Bowen’s disease), and superficial basal cell carcinoma (BCCs). It is also effective for sun damaged skin where pre-cancerous skin lesions are present across a wider area.
Standard PDT uses a controlled light source — such as red light or laser assisted PDT — applied at a specific wavelength to activate the photosensitising cream at the treatment site. Daylight photodynamic therapy (daylight PDT) instead uses natural sunlight as the light source during a period of outdoor exposure. Daylight PDT is typically used for widespread sun damaged skin and pre-cancerous skin lesions, and is often better tolerated than standard PDT — making it suitable for most patients who need treatment across large or cosmetically sensitive areas.
Don’t put it off any longer. Book your skin check today
Use our online booking tool to find a time that suits you. Once you book, our team will be in touch to confirm your appointment and walk you through everything you need to know before your photodynamic therapy treatment.