The team at University College Hospital in London has already completed over 1,000 PDT procedures for head and neck cancer. While there is NICE approval for PDT to be used for this cancer, there has never been a full, published study that would appear to satisfy all UK hospitals.

But PDT has been proved to work. It is does so for patients who would otherwise face up to surgery that would destroy and disfigure. PDT, subject to the specialist’s opinion, would allow the patient to remain all functions in the mouth, retain the ability to produce saliva, and continue to eat and lead a normal life.

The treatment using the Foscan drug is available in a number of UK hospitals.

Efforts are underway to extend the availability and use of PDT for head and neck cancers across the NHS.

Words of advice:

Patients seeking PDT for head and neck cancers will sometimes be warned off PDT because their consultant is of the understanding that PDT only treats surface cancers. PDT is offered for cancers deeper below the surface via a procedure known as ‘interstitial’. The drug is absorbed by the cancer via an intravenous injection, and the light is delivered to the target area via small fibres. As you may read in other sections, this technique is able to reach cancers in the lungs, pancreas and the breast.

Getting treated:

The hospitals offering head and neck PDT are:

The Royal Cornwall Hospital, Truro. Steve Adcock

University Hospital, Birmingham. Dr Keith Webster

University College Hospital, London. Mr Colin Hopper

Carlisle Infirmary, Carlisle. Graham Putnam

St Bart’s Hospital, London. Dr Mike Dilks

Pinderfields, Wakefield. David Mitchell

We have to respect the medical option of experts, but our advice would be that you always seek a 2nd opinion on your cancer from a PDT specialist.

As you may read in other sections, this technique is able to reach cancers in the lungs, pancreas and the breast.

One final point: if you are told that you can’t have PDT because of the drug cost, we suggest that you remind the person that the real, total cost of PDT surgery for head and neck cancer, is in the region of £20,00- - £40,000. PDT costs around £7,500.