Photodynamic Therapy Technique Research Articles

Hybrid Photodynamic Therapy as a Component of Combined Treatment of Uveal Melanoma (Preliminary Results)

Objective. To develop a technique of hybrid photodynamic therapy (PDT) and present its preliminary results in combined organ-preserving treatment of uveal melanoma (UM).Materials and methods. 4 patients with UM (T2aN0M0 — 2 patients, T3aN0M0 — 2 patients) were treated by hybrid PDT followed by Ru-106 + Rh-106 brachytherapy (BT). The initial UM prominence ranged from 7 to 8.6 mm (7.92 ± 0.67 mm), and the tumor base diameter ranged from 10.3 to 14 mm (12.10 ± 1.89 mm). PDT was performed using a chlorine photosensitizer at a rate of 1.0 mg/kg weight using a new hybrid technology, which consists of transpupillary and transscleral exposure to the tumor in one treatment session. Ru-106 + Rh-106 BT was performed according to the standard technique for up to 1 month after PDT.Results. The combined approach contributed to rapid rates of tumor regression at the early terms of dynamic follow-up and achievement of complete regression at the period of 12 months in 2 cases with initially “large” UM sizes. Decrease in the signs of intratumoral vascularization of UM was noted from the first month of follow-up and this tendency was maintained throughout the whole period.Conclusions. The presented preliminary results of hybrid PDT in combined treatment of UM expand the possibilities of organ-preserving treatment of largesized tumors due to direct cytotoxic and antiangiogenic effects on tumor substrate, as well as potentiation of radiation therapy.

Evaluation of 1,9-Dimethyl-Methylene Blue nanoencapsulation using rhamnolipid nanoparticles to potentiate the Photodynamic Therapy technique in Candida albicans: In vitro study

With the rapid development of nanotechnology, various functional nanomaterials have shown exciting potential in biomedical areas such as drug delivery, antitumor, and antibacterial therapy. These nanomaterials improve the stability and selectivity of loaded drugs, reduce drug-induced side effects, realize controlled and targeted drug release, and increase therapeutic efficacy. The increased resistance to antifungal microbicides in medical practice and their side effects stimulate interest in new therapies, such as Photodynamic Therapy (PDT), which do not generate resistance in microorganisms and effectively control the pathology. The present study aimed to evaluate, in vitro, the efficacy of photodynamic therapy on Candida albicans using 1,9-Dimethyl-Methylene Blue (DMMB) as photosensitizer, red LED (λ630), and nanoencapsulation of DMMB (RL-NPs/DMMB) using rhamnolipids produced by Pseudomonas aeruginosa to evaluate if there is better performance of DMMB + RL particles compared to DMMB alone via the characterization of DMMB + RL and colony forming count. The tests were carried out across six experimental groups (Control, DMMB, RL-NPs, RL-NPs/DMMB, PDT and PDT + RL-NPs/DMMB) using in the groups with nanoparticles, DMMB (750 ng/mL) encapsulated with rhamnolipids in a 1:1 ratio, the light source consisted of a prototype built with a set of red LEDs with an energy density of 20 J/cm2. The results showed that applying PDT combined with encapsulation (RL-NPs/DMMB) was a more practical approach to inhibit Candida albicans (2 log reduction) than conventional applications, with a possible clinical application protocol.

Targeted photodynamic therapy technique of Janus nanoparticles on breast cancer

Spherical gold/polyacrylic acid (Au/PAA) polymer–inorganic Janus nanoparticles (JNPs) with simultaneous therapeutic and targeting functions were fabricated. The obtained Au/PAA JNPs were further selectively functionalized with folic acid (FA) and thiol PEG amine (SH-PEG-NH2) on Au sides to provide superior biocompatibility and active targeting, while the other PAA sides were loaded with 5-aminolevulinic acid (5-ALA) to serve as a photosensitizer (PS) for photodynamic therapeutic (PDT) effects on MCF-7 cancer cells. The PS loading of 5-ALA was found to be 83% with an average hydrodynamic size and z-potential of 146 ± 0.8 nm and −6.40 mV respectively for FA-Au/PAA-ALA JNPs. The in vitro PDT study of the JNPs on MCF-7 breast cancer cells under 636 nm laser irradiation indicated the cell viability of 24.7% ± 0.5 for FA-Au/PAA-ALA JNPs at the IC50 value of 0.125 mM. In this regard, the actively targeted FA-Au/PAA-ALA JNPs treatment holds great potential for tumour therapy with high cancer cell-killing efficacy.

Endoscopic Ultrasound-Guided Locoregional Treatments for Solid Pancreatic Neoplasms.

Solid pancreatic neoplasms are one of the most diagnosed gastrointestinal malignancies thanks to the current and progressive advances in radiologic methods. Endoscopic ultrasound-guided techniques have over time gained a prominent role in the differential diagnosis and characterization of these pancreatic lesions, including pancreatic cancer, neuroendocrine tumors, and metastases. Recently, several endoscopic ultrasound-guided locoregional treatment techniques, which are divided into thermal ablative techniques and non-thermal injection techniques, have been developed and applied in different settings for the treatment of solid pancreatic neoplasms. The most common ablative techniques are radiofrequency, microwave, laser, photodynamic therapy and hybrid techniques such as hybrid cryothermal ablation. The most common injection techniques are ethanol injection, immunotherapy and brachytherapy. In this review, we update evidence about the efficacy and safety of endoscopic ultrasound-guided locoregional treatments for solid pancreatic neoplasms.

The Combination of Upconversion Nanoparticles and Photodynamic Therapy for Alzheimer’s Disease Treatment in Real-Time Monitoring

Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) consumes many medical resources in disease caring and delays symptoms. The aggregation of amyloid-beta (Aβ) is regarded as one of the foci of AD. It will form oligomers and polymerize into fibrotic neurofibrillary tangles leading to AD. Many research has focused on the diagnosis and risk factors of Aβ aggregation, trying to reverse the situation of Aβ aggregation by various approaches. However, there are no advantageous solutions that have been developed so far. Establishing a system from monitoring to controlling Aβ aggregation is urgently needed as a new approach for AD treatment. Once Aβ aggregation can be monitored and controlled to oxide and degrade it before forming oligomers. It will bring huge benefits to AD treatment. Therefore, this study combines photodynamic therapy (PDT) and quartz crystal micro-scale (QCM) techniques to realize the degradation of Aβ and monitor whether Aβ is degraded, and establish a complete system.PDT has been applied in the medical field, especially for cancer treatment which induced oxidative stress results in different levels of protein oxidation. However, the limited excitation source limits the application of PDT, for example, the insufficient penetration depth of the excitation source prevents in vivo treatment of AD. Therefore, it needs to be combined with other materials to achieve in-depth treatment. This study proposes to modify photosensitizers on upconverting nanoparticles (UCNPs), and use 980 nm near-infrared to excite and then emit visible light to perform PDT. The combination of PDT and UCNPs generates the reactive oxygen species (ROS) to oxide Aβ and further degrade Aβ aggregation. However, most of the lanthanide metals and photosensitizers doped UCNPs are cytotoxic. Thus, Rose Bengal (RB) was selected as the reactive photosensitizer in this system owing to it being a metal-free, non-toxic, and widely available material. Also, it has been confirmed through research that RB can effectively transfer energy to form 1O2. To further ensure that material can be used in AD treatment, modify the SiO2 shell on the surface of UCNP to improve biocompatibility. The experimental results show that the cell survival rate can be maintained at about 80% when the concentration of UCNP reaches 25mg/mL.The degradation of the Aβ peptide can be monitored using the QCM technique. QCM was applied for monitoring the differences in the oscillation frequency by the degradation of the Aβ peptide attached to UCNPs. Meanwhile, the DCFH-DA ROS assay kit was applied to estimate the Aβ peptide oxidation level. The results of this study show that the combination of UCNPs for PDT can effectively oxidize and degrade Aβ, and utilizing QCM and ROS assay kit can monitor the level of Aβ oxidation and degradation in real-time. The establishment of this system can help more potential AD patients, providing a diagnostic and treatment method. Figure 1

Photodynamic Therapy for Colorectal Cancer: An Update and a Look to the Future.

This review provides an update on the current state of photodynamic therapy (PDT) for colorectal cancer (CRC) and explores potential future directions in this field. PDT has emerged as a promising minimally invasive treatment modality that utilizes photosensitizers and specific light wavelengths to induce cell death in targeted tumor tissues. In recent years, significant progress has been made in understanding the underlying mechanisms, optimizing treatment protocols, and improving the efficacy of PDT for CRC. This article highlights key advancements in PDT techniques, including novel photosensitizers, light sources, and delivery methods. Furthermore, it discusses ongoing research efforts and potential future directions, such as combination therapies and nanotechnology-based approaches. By elucidating the current landscape and providing insights into future directions, this review aims to guide researchers and clinicians in harnessing the full potential of PDT for the effective management of CRC.

Progress in the Mechanism of the Effect of Fe3O4 Nanomaterials on Ferroptosis in Tumor Cells.

Ferroptosis is a new form of iron-dependent programmed cell death discovered in recent years, which is caused by the accumulation of lipid peroxidation (LPO) and reactive oxygen species (ROS). Recent studies have shown that cellular ferroptosis is closely related to tumor progression, and the induction of ferroptosis is a new means to inhibit tumor growth. Biocompatible Fe3O4 nanoparticles (Fe3O4-NPs), rich in Fe2+ and Fe3+, act as a supplier of iron ions, which not only promote ROS production but also participate in iron metabolism, thus affecting cellular ferroptosis. In addition, Fe3O4-NPs combine with other techniques such as photodynamic therapy (PDT); heat stress and sonodynamic therapy (SDT) can further induce cellular ferroptosis effects, which then enhance the antitumor effects. In this paper, we present the research progress and the mechanism of Fe3O4-NPs to induce ferroptosis in tumor cells from the perspective of related genes and chemotherapeutic drugs, as well as PDT, heat stress, and SDT techniques.

Photodynamic therapy in the palliative treatment of a stage IV Klatskin tumor

Klatskin tumor is a perihilar cholangiocarcinoma of the lobar and common hepatic ducts (liver port cancer) which is localized proximally to the confluence of common hepatic and cystic ducts (before segmental hepatic ducts of the second order). Currently, photodynamic therapy (PDT) is recommended for the complex management of patients with inoperable extrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma because the discussed PDT technique significantly increases the life expectancy in comparison to the isolated palliative therapy. A clinical case presented in the article demonstrates the effectiveness of PDT technique in case of cholangiocarcinoma of bifurcation of the common hepatic duct T4N1M1, Bismuth-IV in combination with external drainage of bile ducts in order to resolve the mechanical jaundice. Conclusion . A significant effect of PDT application in a patient with inoperable Klatskin tumor is demonstrated. PDT included into the treatment of such patients increases their life expectancy versus the average survival rate in those having palliative therapy.

Fluorescence Quenching of Carboxy-Substituted Phthalocyanines Conjugated with Nanoparticles under High Stoichiometric Ratios

Background: The search of the approaches towards a photosensitizer’s conjugation with multifunctional nanoparticles is an important step in the development of photodynamic therapy techniques. Association of photosensitizer molecules with nanoparticles that perform the delivery function can lead to a change in the functional state of the photosensitizer. Methods: We studied the effects observed upon incorporation of octa- and hexadeca-carboxyphthalocyanines of zinc(II) and aluminum(III) (Pcs) into the polymer shell of nanoparticles with a semiconductor CdSe/CdS/ZnS core with various spectral and optical methods. Results: First, the interaction of Pc with the polymer shell leads to a change in the spectral properties of Pc; the effect strongly depends on the structure of the Pc molecule (number of carboxyl groups as well as the nature of the central cation in the macrocycle). Secondly, upon incorporation of several Pc molecules, concentration effects become significant, leading to Pc aggregation and/or nonradiative energy transfer between neighboring Pc molecules within a single nanoparticle. Conclusions: These processes lead to the decrease of a number of the Pc molecules in an excited state. Such effects should be taken into account during the development of multifunctional platforms for the delivery of photosensitizers, including the use of nanoparticles as enhancers of photosensitizer activity by energy transfer.

Curcumin as a Natural Approach of Periodontal Adjunctive Treatment and Its Immunological Implications: A Narrative Review.

Scaling and root planing represent the gold standard in the treatment of periodontal disease, but these therapeutic methods cannot eliminate the remaining periodontopathogenic bacteria in cement, tubules, and periodontal soft tissue. Thus, a number of additional therapeutic means have been adopted, including local and systemic antibiotic therapy, as well as the use of photodynamic therapy techniques. Recently, special attention has been paid to potential phytotherapeutic means in the treatment of periodontal disease. In this review, we aim to present the effects generated by the extract of Curcuma longa, the various forms of application of turmeric as an additional therapeutic means, as well as the aspects related to its biotolerance.

Photodynamic therapy in vulvar intraepithelial neoplasia (а review)

The authors discuss perspectives for applying photodynamic therapy (PDT) in patients with vulvar intraepithelial neoplasia (VIN); they also analyze domestic and foreign literature sources. Up to now, some experience on the treatment of background, precancerous conditions and vulvar cancer with PDT has been obtained. The authors describe application of various photosensitizers (5-aminolevulinic acid, hematoporphyrin, E6 chloride and others) as well as several techniques for photosensitizer administration and various parameters of photodynamic effect. PDT is a non-invasive modern curative option. This type of therapy has proven to be effective in many directions of medicine; it demonstrates a wide range of its potentials in antitumor, antimicrobial, antimycotic, antiviral, immunostimulating and many other effects. With PDT technique, one can preserve not only the function, but also the integrity of the organ; it gives an excellent cosmetic result as well as rapid recovery after the treatment. However, despite the low traumatic complication rate and low level of adverse reactions, data on PDT effectiveness are contradictory. In literature, there is a signififi cant range of set parameters for treatment and exposure modes from 50 to 350 J/cm2. Literature data demonstrate that PDT effectiveness in VIN treatment ranges from 30 to 95 %, while in some cases it reaches 100 %. So as to reliably assert PDT effectiveness in the discussed pathology, further research work is needed. This review analyzes other curative options, their advantages and disadvantages. The authors underline that effectiveness of other curative modalities is still low with a high rate of relapses.

Photodynamic therapy of penile leukoplakia: a case report

Purpose: to describe a clinical case of successful application of photodynamic therapy (PDT) in a patient with leukoplakia of the glans penis skin.Material and methods. For PDT, chlorin-type photosensitizer “Photolon” was used. The photosensitizer (lyophilized powder) was diluted in 200.0 ml of 0.9 % sodium chloride solution, administered intravenously at dosage 1.5 mg/kg of body weight. After 2.5 hours, intravenous laser blood irradiation was performed with “Lakhta-Milon” laser device (output power – 100 mW, exposure – 30 minutes). Before PDT, fluorescence diagnostics in ultraviolet light with wavelength 395–405 nm was performed. PDT technique was single-field irradiation with output power 1800 mW (1.8 W), irradiation energy density – 150 J/cm2. Power density of laser light was 200 mW/cm2. Exposure time – 14 min.Results. After treatment, complete regression of the pathological focus and regeneration of healthy tissue were marked (one month).Conclusion. PDT in a patient with leukoplakia of glans penis is an effective and safe curative technique.

Photodynamic Therapy in Patients with Hilar Cholangiocarcinoma and Duodenal Papillae Cancer

Introduction: Cancers of large duodenal papilla and extrahepatic bile ducts are hardly accessible tumor localizations characterized by extensive tumor growth and poor prognosis. Photodynamic therapy is a new technique, providing both, adequate tumor destruction and minimal damage to surrounding tissue. The aim of this study was the development of photodynamic therapy technique for the treatment of both Vater's papilla and extrahepatic bile duct cancer in inoperable patients.

Transurethral Resection of Non-Muscle Invasive Bladder Tumors Combined with Fluorescence Diagnosis and Photodynamic Therapy with Chlorin e6-Type Photosensitizers.

Bladder cancer is a common disease with a high recurrence rate. In order to improve the treatment of superficial bladder tumors, we evaluated the efficacy and safety of transurethral resection (TURB) followed by fluorescence diagnosis (FD) and photodynamic therapy (PDT) with chlorin e6 photosensitizers (PSs), viz. “Fotoran e6” and “Fotoditazin”. It was found that both PSs generated singlet oxygen and revealed moderate affinity toward the lipid-like compartment. Between November 2018 and October 2020, 12 patients with verified non-muscle invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC) were treated by TURB combined with FD and PDT. Eight patients received “Fotoran e6” intravenously, while four patients received intravesical PSs. The patient ages were between 31 and 79 years, with a median age of 64.5 years (mean 61.3 ± 14.2). The total light dose was 150 J/cm2 for the local irradiation of the tumor bed with a red light at the λ = 660 nm wavelength, and 10–25 J/cm2 were additionally delivered for diffuse irradiation of the entire bladder mucosa. At the median follow-up period of 24 months (mean 24.5 ± 5.4 months, range 16–35 months), 11 patients remained tumor-free. One 79-year-old patient developed a recurrence without progression to the muscle layer. This pilot study shows that the TURB + FD + PDT technique is an effective and safe option for the first-line treatment of superficial bladder tumors.

Photodynamic Theranostics of Central Lung Cancer: Capabilities of Early Diagnosis and Minimally Invasive Therapy (Review).

The aim of the study was to assess the prospects for central lung cancer (CLC) screening using fluorescent diagnostics and its treatment by endobronchial photodynamic therapy (PDT).Bronchoscopic fluorescent diagnostics using chlorin e6 photosensitizers and a developed instrumental system enable to reveal tumor changes in large bronchi mucosa at early stages, and a developed PDT technique performed under fluorescent control helps achieve personalized treatment. Such an approach is considered as a theranostic technique — photodynamic theranostics.central lung cancer screening requires a fluorescent dye characterized by availability and can be used directly within the examination. Indocyanine green can be used as a dye, its peculiarity is the necessity to excite and record fluorescence in the near-infrared (NIR) wavelength band. First experiments using NIR bands to diagnose a bronchoscopic system showed the detectability of tumor areas using on-site bronchoscopic photodynamic theranostics, which consists in NIR imaging of tumor foci when a standard dose of indocyanine green is administered during the examination.ConclusionFurther progress of early diagnostics and minimally invasive CLC therapy will be determined by the development of new photosensitizers, which should be characterized by a high absorption band in NIR area, quick accumulation in a tumor, high yield of single oxygen in NIR illumination, bright fluorescence, high potential in terms of the induction of an anti-tumor immune response.

Near infrared light activated upconversion nanoparticles (UCNP) based photodynamic therapy of prostate cancers: An in vitro study

Photodynamic therapy (PDT), has a potential to cure cancerous prostate tissue with minimal side effects. Traditional PDT, however, mostly utilized visible (VIS) light range with direct application of hydrophobic photosensitizers which may not be adequate in clinical practice for especially deep-seated cancer cells because of poor penetration of VIS wavelengths. Here, we report near infrared light (NIR) induced and dual photosensitizers (PS) encapsulated PDT strategy to reduce prostate cancer cells - PC3. The designed nanoplatform (MC540/ZnPc-UCNP@Au), in this study, include upconversion nanoparticles (UCNP) synthesis to convert NIR light into multiple VIS wavelengths, porous silica coating to upload dual photosensitizers (MC540/ZnPc), and gold (Au) functionalization to enhance PDT treatment. High chemical stabilization provided MC540/ZnPc-UCNP@Au show excellent biocompatibility, and efficient PDT treatment for prostate cancer cells. In fact, the fluorescence of the synthesized nanoplatforms, upon NIR light excitation, can produce considerable amount of ROS in 5 min, as it is well matched with the absorption of MC540, ZnPc and Au nanoparticles (np). In addition, the easy visualization of cellular internalized/adsorbed nanoplatforms reveal the in situ cell imaging possibility for diagnosis. Based on the evidence of the results, NIR light activated MC540/ZnPc-UCNP@Au may offer a PDT technique for the treatment of prostate cancer.

Photodynamic therapy for periprosthetic joint infection

Introduction. The increase in the number of patients with joint and hip diseases is an actual problem in the clinical medicine. Objective: to improve outcomes of the combined surgical treatment of patients with deep periprosthetic infection (PPI) by developing and improving surgical techniques using spacers and laser technologies.Material and methods. Thirty-five patients with suppurated large joints as a complication after their replacement were examined and treated. In 9 (25.7 %) patients, PPI developed within 3–12 months after the primary arthroplasty. Twenty (57.1 %) patients developed PPI within 1–2 years after the surgery. In 4 (11.4 %) cases, suppuration in the endoprosthetic area developed in 2–3 years, and in 2 (5.7 %) patients – in 3–3.5 years. The age of the patients was 47–70 years. The main group consisted of 20 patients, the control group – of 15 patients. Patients from the main group had laser photodynamic therapy (PDT) session after the removal of endoprosthetic elements and devitalized tissues.Results. Patients from the main group had uneventful postoperative course – less pain syndrome, rapid resolution of the infl ammatory process, wound healing by the primary tension.Conclusion. Application of a new intraoperative PDT technique, developed by the authors, promotes rapid resolution of purulent-infl ammatory process and better healing of postoperative wounds by primary tension.

Experimental and theoretical investigation of water-soluble silicon(IV) phthalocyanine and its interaction with bovine serum albumin.

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) has drawn a great scientific attention to cancer treatment over the last decades. However, the bottleneck for the PDT is to find good photosensitizers (PSs) with greater water solubility, no aggregation, and fast discharge from the body. Therefore, there are still a big scientific desire for the synthesizing new rational PSs for treatment of cancer by PDT technique. In favor of improving the competence of PDT, an axially bis[4-(diphenylamino-1,1'-biphenyl-4-ol)] substituted silicon(IV)phthalocyanine (3) was converted to its water-soluble quaternized derivative (3Q). Their structures were fully characterized by single-crystal X-ray diffraction,elemental analysis, and differentspectroscopic methodssuch as FT-IR,UV-Vis, MALDI-TOF, and1H-NMR. The photophysical properties such as fluorescence quantum yields and lifetimes, and the photochemical properties such assinglet oxygengeneration of both phthalocyanines were investigated. Ground and excited-state calculations were performed to explain the observed electronic absorption spectra. The addition of the 4-diphenylamino-1,1'-biphenyl-4-ol groups on the axially positions of the silicon(IV) phthalocyanine increased the singlet oxygen quantum yield from 0.15 to around 0.20. Especially quaternized compound 3Q showed high singlet oxygen quantum yield of 0.26 in water solution. In addition, a spectroscopic investigation of the binding behavior of the quaternized silicon (IV) phthalocyanine complex to bovine serum albumin (BSA) is also studied in this work, confirming the possible interaction. Further theoretical calculations were carried out to find out the plausible-binding regions of the BSA protein. Axially bis[4-(diphenylamino-1,1'-biphenyl-4-ol)] substituted silicon(IV) phthalocyanine (3) was converted to its quaternized water soluble derivative (3Q). The photophysical properties such as fluorescence quantum yields and lifetimes, and the photochemical properties such as singlet oxygen generation of both phthalocyanines were investigated. In addition, a spectroscopic investigation of the binding behavior of the quaternized silicon (IV) phthalocyanine complex to bovine serum albumin (BSA) is also studied in this work, confirming the possible interaction. Further theoretical calculations were carried out to find out the plausiblebinding regions of the BSA protein.

Photodynamic Therapy (PDT): An Alternative Approach for Combating COVID-19

The COVID-19 disease initially originated in Wuhan (China) and then spread worldwide has been declared a pandemic by the World Health Organization (WHO). Many attempts are ongoing to find an effective therapeutic treatment and vaccine to cure or prevent the disease, but the success is very little. Even some of the approved vaccines are also disputed for safety issues. This is the time where we should think of alternative treatments to control the disease effectively. Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is a technique that is widely used in cancer treatment and against various microbes. In this technique, a light-induced photosensitizer generates reactive oxygen species (ROS), ultimately killing the target cells. Considering these facts, an attempt has been made to review the current literature on viral inactivation using PDT approach. Accordingly, the mechanism of PDT action has been discussed, along with an update on the use of various photosensitizers (PSs) and nanoparticles. The capsid proteins and nucleic acid (RNA) of SARS-CoV-2 can be a possible target for PDT. To understand this interaction further, computational modeling studies have been discussed to help design effective PSs. Overall, the PDT technique has therapeutic potential and should be tested as a complementary or alternative treatment for control of COVID-19 using the PSs like curcumin, psoralen derivatives, riboflavin, etc. This review discusses COVID-19, its outbreak, diagnosis, the existing treatment modalities, and how PDT can be an effective alternative treatment for controlling the disease.

Photodynamic therapy for treating malignant skin tumors in young people

Objective : to study the effectiveness of photodynamic therapy (PDT) for non-melanoma malignant skin neoplasms with photosensitizer (PS) Photolon in young patients. Material and methods . 59 patients, aged 19–44, with verified diagnosis were treated with PDT technique: basal cell skin cancer (BCSC) – 51 patient; squamous cell skin cancer (SCSC) – 8 patients. Photolon dose was 0.8–1.3 mg/kg. The applied light dose was from 100 to 400 J/cm 2 depending on the clinical and histological form of tumor focus and the contrast index of PS – tumor / healthy skin calculated by findings of fluorescent diagnostics. Results . 6 months after PDT, 84.7% patients with non-melanoma skin cancer cT1-4N0M0 had a complete regression; 11.9% – partial; 3.4% – stabilization. There was a good cosmetic effect as well. It has been revealed that PDT effectiveness in BCSC is higher than that in squamous cell skin cancer; complete regressions was seen in 92.2 and 37.5%, respectively. Relapses during the follow-up period (from 6 months to 10 years) were registered in 8.7% of cases. Conclusion . PDT with Photolon is an effective technique for treating non-melanoma skin cancer with low risk of developing anatomical and functional disorders. It may be a method of choice for treating young people with malignant skin neoplasms.