| As the African American community witness thousands dying per year from cancer, many advances are being made in the arena of cancer treatment. Although the current methods of cancer treatment are considered viable, the many side effects associated with these methods can deter many from receiving treatment; thus creating a doorway of opportunity for any group of scientists who could not only increase the effectiveness of treatment, but also reduce the side effects related to treatment of this disease. Currently, the hot topic of discussion and research in the cancer arena is Photodynamic Therapy. This type of therapy is an emerging channel of treatment that is very successful in eradicating cancer, with few side effects. Over the years, Photodynamic Therapy (PDT) has progressed to treat various forms of malignancies and cancers. It is also the foundation for a blood purification method currently being tested, Photodynamic Antimicrobial Chemotherapy.; Photodynamic Antimicrobial Chemotherapy (PACT) is a blood purification technique that is used to eliminate blood pathogens that may be present in the early phase of many viral diseases- "window period". This method of purification is more efficient than most purification methods, but it's not very efficient in preserving the red blood cell. Both methods, PDT and PACT, are very promising methods with very high rate of efficiency. However, the effects present because of these methods could be more damaging to the patient rather than the actual disease or infection present. |
