Learn about Photodynamic Therapy Treatment in India — how it works, who it is for, recovery timelines, and what to expect before and after surgery. Compare hospitals and doctors experienced in Photodynamic Therapy and request assistance for cost estimates or appointments.

About Photodynamic Therapy

Photodynamic Therapy (PDT) is a specialized, minimally invasive cancer treatment performed by an Oncologist. It involves administering a light-sensitive drug (photosensitizer) that accumulates in cancer cells. After a specific incubation period, the targeted area is exposed to a precise wavelength of light, activating the drug and producing a form of oxygen that destroys the abnormal cells. This two-step procedure is highly targeted, sparing surrounding healthy tissue. PDT is particularly effective for treating certain skin cancers, esophageal cancer, and some lung cancers. It offers a valuable option for patients who are not candidates for surgery or who seek a treatment with fewer systemic side effects compared to traditional chemotherapy or radiation.

Key Highlights

    Minimally invasive with targeted action, sparing healthy tissue.Can be repeated in the same area if needed.Often performed as an outpatient procedure.Generally has fewer long-term side effects than radiation or chemotherapy.May be an option for patients who cannot undergo surgery.Can be used to relieve symptoms (palliative care) in advanced cancers./ul

Who is this surgery for?

  • Treatment of actinic keratosis, basal cell carcinoma, and squamous cell carcinoma of the skin.
  • Management of certain early-stage cancers of the esophagus (Barrett's esophagus with high-grade dysplasia).
  • Treatment of non-small cell lung cancer to relieve airway obstruction.
  • Palliative treatment for certain head and neck cancers.
  • Treatment of some precancerous conditions and superficial cancers accessible to light.

How to prepare

  • Initial consultation with the oncologist to assess suitability and plan treatment.
  • Administration of the photosensitizing drug intravenously or applied topically, depending on the cancer type.
  • A waiting period (from hours to days) for the drug to accumulate in the cancer cells.
  • Avoiding direct sunlight and bright indoor light for the specified period before light activation, as the skin and eyes become temporarily photosensitive.
  • Arranging for transportation home after the procedure due to light sensitivity.

Risks & possible complications

  • Photosensitivity reaction: Skin and eyes remain sensitive to light for 24-48 hours or longer, risking sunburn.
  • Localized pain, burning, or stinging sensation at the treatment site during and after light exposure.
  • Swelling, redness, and possible blistering or crusting in the treated area.
  • Scarring or changes in skin texture or pigmentation.
  • If treating internal organs, risks can include temporary difficulty swallowing (esophageal treatment) or shortness of breath (lung treatment).
  • Infection at the treatment site (rare).

Recovery & hospital stay

  • Strict light avoidance for 24-48 hours post-IV drug: stay indoors, use blackout curtains, and wear protective clothing/glasses if going out.
  • Gradually reintroduce light exposure as per the doctor's instructions, typically over several days.
  • Keep the treated area clean and dry; apply prescribed ointments if provided.
  • Manage discomfort with over-the-counter pain relievers as recommended by your doctor.
  • Attend all follow-up appointments to monitor healing and treatment response.
  • Report any signs of severe pain, excessive swelling, or infection to your oncologist promptly.
  • checked Typical hospital stay: 0-1 days (typically outpatient)
  • checked Expected recovery time: 1-4 weeks (depending on treatment site and extent)

Frequently Asked Questions

If you are considering photodynamic therapy in India, these questions and answers can help you make a confident, informed decision.

Procedure cost in other countries

Here is an overview of how the estimated cost, hospital stay, and recovery time for photodynamic therapy compare across other countries where we have data.

Country Estimated cost range Typical stay Recovery time View details
India USD 326 – USD 1,632 0-1 days (typically outpatient) ~ 1-4 weeks (depending on treatment site and extent) Know More
Turkey USD 2,416 – USD 12,079 0-1 days (typically outpatient) ~ 1-4 weeks (depending on treatment site and extent) Know More

Top hospitals for Photodynamic Therapy in India

These partner hospitals in India have dedicated oncologist teams and experience managing patients undergoing photodynamic therapy.

Manipal Hospital Gurgaon

  • IconGurgaon, India
  • Icon60 Doctors

Artemis Hospital Gurgaon

  • IconGurgaon, India
  • Icon141 Doctors

Cytecare Hospital

  • IconBangalore, India
  • Icon48 Doctors

Manipal Hospital Whitefield

  • IconBangalore, India
  • Icon105 Doctors

Manipal Hospital Siliguri

  • IconSiliguri, India
  • Icon30 Doctors

Kamineni Hospital, Tadigadapa

  • Iconvijayawada, India
  • Icon44 Doctors

Manipal Hospital Patiala

  • IconPatiala, India
  • Icon52 Doctors

Manipal Hospital Salt Lake

  • IconKolkata, India
  • Icon129 Doctors

Manipal Hospital Vijayawada

  • Iconvijayawada, India
  • Icon21 Doctors

Manipal Hospital Bhubaneswar

  • IconBhubaneshwar, India
  • Icon55 Doctors

Manipal Hospital Jayanagar

  • IconBangalore, India
  • Icon57 Doctors

Manipal Hospital Hebbal

  • IconBangalore, India
  • Icon150 Doctors

Manipal Hospital Ranchi

  • IconRanchi, India
  • Icon41 Doctors

Manipal Hospital Dhakuria

  • IconKolkata, India
  • Icon200 Doctors

Manipal Hospital EM Bypass

  • IconKolkata, India
  • Icon94 Doctors

Manipal Hospital EM Bypass

  • IconKolkata, India
  • Icon94 Doctors

Miot Hospital Chennai

  • IconChennai, India
  • Icon250 Doctors

Manipal Hospital Mukundapur

  • IconKolkata, India
  • Icon145 Doctors

Manipal Hospital Malleshwaram

  • IconBangalore, India
  • Icon105 Doctors

Kamineni Hospital LB Nagar

  • IconHyderabad, India
  • Icon67 Doctors
PATIENT REVIEW

I'd been to a few doctors...

I'd been to a few doctors for this persistent stomach pain, and everyone just said it was stress. Dr. Jayaraman was different. He actually listened, asked a ton of questions I hadn't been asked before, and ordered some specific tests others hadn't. Turns out it was a tricky gallbladder issue, not just 'stress.' He explained it all with a diagram on his notepad. I felt heard for the first time.

Oncologists for Photodynamic Therapy

Explore experienced oncologists who regularly perform photodynamic therapy and provide pre- and post-operative care in India.

Dr. Sabhyata Gupta
  • 35 Years Experience
  • Gynecologic Oncologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Next available on
02/Feb: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Medanta Hospital Gurgaon

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Shivam Vatsal Agarwal
  • 32 Years Experience
  • Surgical Oncologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Next available on
02/Feb: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

Metro Hospital Faridabad

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Siddharth S. Sood
  • 29 Years Experience
  • Medical Oncologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Next available on
02/Feb: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

Metro Hospital Faridabad

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Satya Prakash Yadav
  • 28 Years Experience
  • Hemato Oncologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Next available on
02/Feb: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Medanta Hospital Gurgaon

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. V Srinivasan
  • 27 Years Experience
  • Radiation Oncologist
Speaks: English, Tamil, Hindi
Next available on
02/Feb: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Miot Hospital Chennai

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Arun Pandey
  • 27 Years Experience
  • Surgical Oncologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Next available on
02/Feb: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

Metro Hospital Faridabad

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Aniruddha Vidyadhar Kulkarni
  • 27 Years Experience
  • Surgical Oncologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Next available on
02/Feb: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Nanavati Hospital Mumbai

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Kaustav Talapatra
  • 27 Years Experience
  • Radiation Oncologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Next available on
02/Feb: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Nanavati Hospital Mumbai

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Nagraj S. Shetty
  • 26 Years Experience
  • Bone Marrow Transplant Specialist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Next available on
02/Feb: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Nanavati Hospital Mumbai

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Shivam Shingla
  • 26 Years Experience
  • Medical Oncologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Next available on
02/Feb: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Nanavati Hospital Mumbai

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Shruti Arora
  • 26 Years Experience
  • Medical Oncologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Next available on
02/Feb: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Nanavati Hospital Mumbai

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Atul Wankhede
  • 26 Years Experience
  • Bone Marrow Transplant Specialist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Next available on
02/Feb: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Nanavati Hospital Mumbai

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Suresh Shetty
  • 26 Years Experience
  • Bone Marrow Transplant Specialist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Next available on
02/Feb: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Nanavati Hospital Mumbai

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Prakash M. Doshi
  • 26 Years Experience
  • Bone Marrow Transplant Specialist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Next available on
02/Feb: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Nanavati Hospital Mumbai

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Dhrumin Sangoi
  • 26 Years Experience
  • Bone Marrow Transplant Specialist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Next available on
02/Feb: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Nanavati Hospital Mumbai

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Gurvinder S. Sawhney
  • 26 Years Experience
  • Bone Marrow Transplant Specialist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Next available on
02/Feb: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Nanavati Hospital Mumbai

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Bibhudutta Malla
  • 4 Years Experience
  • Oncologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Next available on
02/Feb: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Bhubaneswar

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Rujuta Mehta
  • 24 Years Experience
  • Bone Marrow Transplant Specialist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Next available on
02/Feb: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Nanavati Hospital Mumbai

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Yajuvendra Gawai
  • 24 Years Experience
  • Bone Marrow Transplant Specialist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Next available on
02/Feb: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Nanavati Hospital Mumbai

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Amandeep Gujral
  • 24 Years Experience
  • Bone Marrow Transplant Specialist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Next available on
02/Feb: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Nanavati Hospital Mumbai

OPD-desk synced • Updated
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