Photodynamic therapy and the treatment of head and neck cancer.

An account is given of how Photodynamic Therapy (PDT) may be used in the diagnosis and treatment of cancer of the head and neck. The role and mode of action of the tumour sensitising agent, Haematoporphyrin derivative (HPD), are shown and the current use of lasers as suitable light sources will be discussed. Individual cases are used to illustrate the current state of this form of treatment and an indication of future developments is provided.