HEMATOPORPHYRIN PHOTOCHEMOTHERAPY Meaning and
Definition
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Hematoporphyrin photochemotherapy, also known as photodynamic therapy (PDT), is a medical treatment that combines the use of a photosensitizing agent with light exposure to destroy abnormal or cancerous cells in the body.
Hematoporphyrin is a derivative of the natural compound called porphyrin, which is found in red blood cells. In this therapy, a photosensitizing agent such as hematoporphyrin is administered to the patient either intravenously or topically. The agent is then absorbed by abnormal cells, such as cancer cells, in higher amounts than in normal cells.
After a certain period of time allowing the agent to accumulate in the target cells, a specific wavelength of light is directed onto the treatment area. This light activates the hematoporphyrin, causing it to release energy in the form of highly reactive oxygen molecules known as singlet oxygen. The singlet oxygen molecules damage and destroy the targeted cells, leading to their death.
Hematoporphyrin photochemotherapy is commonly used in the treatment of various cancers, such as skin cancer, lung cancer, and esophageal cancer. It offers several advantages over traditional cancer treatments, including its ability to selectively destroy cancer cells while leaving healthy cells relatively unharmed. Additionally, it can be used as a localized treatment or in combination with other therapies, such as surgery or chemotherapy, to enhance the overall efficacy. However, it may also have some side effects, which can range from mild skin reactions to photosensitivity.
Overall, hematoporphyrin photochemotherapy is a promising and evolving treatment option that utilizes the principles of photosensitivity and light activation to specifically target and destroy abnormal cells in the body.
Common Misspellings for HEMATOPORPHYRIN PHOTOCHEMOTHERAPY
- gematoporphyrin photochemotherapy
- bematoporphyrin photochemotherapy
- nematoporphyrin photochemotherapy
- jematoporphyrin photochemotherapy
- uematoporphyrin photochemotherapy
- yematoporphyrin photochemotherapy
- hwmatoporphyrin photochemotherapy
- hsmatoporphyrin photochemotherapy
- hdmatoporphyrin photochemotherapy
- hrmatoporphyrin photochemotherapy
- h4matoporphyrin photochemotherapy
- h3matoporphyrin photochemotherapy
- henatoporphyrin photochemotherapy
- hekatoporphyrin photochemotherapy
- hejatoporphyrin photochemotherapy
- hemztoporphyrin photochemotherapy
- hemstoporphyrin photochemotherapy
- hemwtoporphyrin photochemotherapy
- hemqtoporphyrin photochemotherapy
- hemaroporphyrin photochemotherapy
Etymology of HEMATOPORPHYRIN PHOTOCHEMOTHERAPY
The word "Hematoporphyrin Photochemotherapy" can be broken down into three parts: Hematoporphyrin, Photo, and Chemotherapy.
1. Hematoporphyrin: The term "hematoporphyrin" comes from two Greek words: "haima", which means blood, and "porphyrin", which refers to a group of organic compounds. Porphyrins are involved in the synthesis of heme, a component of hemoglobin which carries oxygen in red blood cells.
2. Photo: The term "photo" is derived from the Greek word "phos", meaning light. In this context, it is used to indicate the involvement of light in a medical procedure.
3. Chemotherapy: The word "chemotherapy" combines the Greek word "chemo", meaning chemical, and "therapy", which refers to a treatment or remedy.
