PHOTODYNAMIC THERAPY OF HEPATOBILIARY SYSTEM DISEASES

The therapeutic effect of photodynamic therapy (PDT) is based on the local activation of a photosensitizer (PS) accumulated in the tumor tissue or microbial cells by a specific spectrum of light, which leads to the development of the photochemical reaction and destruction of these cells. Despite the experience of successful application of PDT in different fields of medicine, not all of its features have been studied. The aim of this review was the compilation of scientific data on the use of PDT for the treatment of pathologies of the hepatobiliary system. The analysis of the literature and the results of our own studies have revealed that the method is effectively used in the treatment of cancer and non-neoplastic diseases of the liver and biliary tract. Photosensitizers (PS) of various generations with differing characteristics have been noted to be employed in photodynamic therapy. For their activation lasers with a wavelength, often irrelevant to the maximum peak of light absorption by a photosensitizer are used. A promising area for the development of photodynamic therapy of inflammatory diseases of the hepatobiliary zone (acute cholangitis) is the use of the third generation PS Photolon in combination with a blue light spectrum. Combined variants for acute cholangitis PDT with the use of physiotherapeutic effects on the liver and drugs, that enhance metabolism in the liver, remain poorly understood.