Laser and non-laser light sources for photodynamic therapy

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is an anticancer combination therapy, which requires a photo-sensitiser, which tends to accumulate preferentially in the tumour, and light. Historically large, complex lasers have been used to carry out PDT treatment. Nowadays there is a wide range of coherent and non-coherent sources that can be used. This paper considers the important characteristics of light sources for PDT, including dye lasers pumped by argon or metal vapour lasers and frequency-doubled Nd:YAG lasers. Non-laser sources including tungsten filament, xenon arc, metal halide and fluorescent lamps are also discussed. New exiciting developments such as LEDs and femtosecond lasers are also reviewed. The relative merits of laser and non-laser sources are critically examined.