In early-stage disease, the aim of treatment with Photodynamic therapy may be to completely remove and cure the cancer. In advanced disease, however, the goal may be to shrink the cancer in order to alleviate symptoms. In this scenario, Photodynamic therapy cannot cure the cancer.

Even patients who have had surgery, radiotherapy or chemotherapy in the past can be treated safely with Photodynamic therapy.

As with all treatments, patients may experience side effects following treatment with Photodynamic therapy. Following administration of the photosensitising agent, patients become highly sensitive to light. Precautions must be taken to avoid exposure of skin and eyes to direct sunlight or bright indoor lighting for a specified period following injection. Appropriate clothing and eyewear must be worn to prevent photosensitivity reactions. Other temporary side effects following Photodynamic therapy may include pain, which can be controlled with painkillers, swelling, bleeding and difficulty swallowing.

New, normal cells replace those cells killed by Photodynamic therapy allowing rapid healing to occur post-treatment. This avoids the scarring disfigurement that may occur with other types of tissue removal.