Modified Daylight Photodynamic Therapy (PDT)

Modified daylight photodynamic therapy (PDT) is a specialized medical treatment that targets pre-cancerous skin cells. This innovative approach combines light-activated medication with exposure to natural daylight and red LED light. Modified daylight PDT offers a less intensive alternative to traditional therapies for actinic keratosis.  

Modified daylight PDT is primarily used to treat actinic keratoses, also sometimes referred to as solar keratoses. Caused by chronic and prolonged UV exposure, actinic keratoses are pre-cancerous skin lesions, typically affecting the face, scalp, ears, neck, or other sun-exposed areas. They can appear as scaly spots or patches on the skin, referred to AKs, which can progress to squamous cell carcinoma if left untreated. To date, there is no way to accurately predict which AKs will progress to more serious disease. The progression is slow, but treating AKs is the first step in reducing the risk of developing more serious skin cancer.

Modified daylight PDT provides an effective, non-invasive option for treating chronically sun-exposed skin and managing actinic keratoses with excellent cosmetic outcomes. During a modified daylight PDT session, photosensitizing medication is applied in-office to the treatment areas. This medication is selectively absorbed by pre-cancerous cells. After application, you’ll be asked to spend time outside, exposing the treated areas to natural daylight to begin activating the medication. When exposed to light, the medication creates a phototoxic effect that kills cancerous and pre-cancerous cells. After about two hours, you’ll return to the office and the treated areas will be exposed to red LED light to accelerate the process and activate the remainder of the photosensitizer. This results in the destruction of abnormal cells, selectively targeting diseased tissue while sparing healthy skin cells.

The first step is accurate diagnosis. If you think you have actinic keratoses, see your family or walk in clinic doctor first, who will refer you for a medical dermatology appointment if indicated (link). At your initial appointment, a dermatologist will assess your skin to make an accurate diagnosis and will discuss appropriate treatment options with you. If you dermatologist recommends PDT, your treatment will be booked for a future appointment at a time that’s convenient for you.  

If you have already been diagnosed with actinic keratoses, and wish to book photodynamic therapy at DERM Lab, you may book a cosmetic consultation to discuss this treatment as it is not covered by MSP.

Medical dermatology appointments are covered by BC’s Medical Services Plan (MSP). However, currently PDT is not a covered service. The cost of treatment depends on the areas treated and your dermatologist will discuss all costs with you. If you have drug coverage through a third-party extended health plan, you may be able to submit the medication portion of the treatment for reimbursement.