DETROIT, Nov. 24 /PRNewswire/ -- An aspiring vocalist, Eric Pryce of Detroit saw his budding avocation threatened by vocal cord cancer last year.
But a specialized treatment offered at Henry Ford Hospital that combines the use of a laser light and light-sensitive drug to destroy cancerous cells restored his voice and returned him to the stage at the Greektown Casino with more vocal range than ever before. The treatment is called photodynamic therapy, or PDT.
"My vocal range has never been this good," says Pryce, 28, who sings karaoke every Wednesday night at the casino's Showtime at the Apollo Lounge.
Otolaryngologist Vanessa Schweitzer, M.D., is the only physician in Michigan using PDT to treat cancers of the head and neck, which account for 3 percent of all cancers in the United States. Cancers of the head and neck can occur in the mouth, throat, larynx, swallowing passages, salivary glands, sinuses and nasal passages.
PDT is a viable option for treating some cancers because it has fewer side effects than surgery or radiation without damaging healthy tissue, Dr. Schweitzer says. It is ideal for treating tumors on or just under the skin because the laser penetrates only a quarter-inch of skin.
In addition to head and neck cancers, PDT is used to treat lung, gastrointestinal and skin cancer, Dr. Schweitzer says.
"PDT is a non-invasive, relatively painless procedure and patients can resume their normal activities in a short amount of time," she says.
PDT is a two-step process. A light-sensitive drug called Photofrin(R) is injected into the bloodstream and absorbed by cells all over the body. Patients receive the injection 48 hours before the laser procedure to allow the drug to bond with cancerous cells, where it remains longer than normal cells.
Depending on the stage of the cancer, the laser procedure can be performed under general or local anesthesia. As the surgeon directs the laser at the skin's surface, the concentrated beam of light activates the Photofrin(R) to produce a toxic form of oxygen that destroys cancer cells. PDT has an 85 percent success rate.
Because PDT makes the skin and eyes sensitive to light, patients are advised to avoid direct sunlight and bright indoor light for at least 30 days after the procedure. If they go outside, they must wear sunglasses and protective clothing.
"My throat was sore for about a week," Pryce says. "But other than that, I didn't feel any discomfort. I went to work the next day."
Pryce says PDT was the ideal treatment for him because of fears that radiation may affect his voice. A non-smoker and social drinker, Pryce, who was referred to Dr. Schweitzer for a second opinion, says PDT gave him hope for a complete recovery and a second chance to chase a dream.
"I thought, at least I have my day job," says Pryce, an automotive designer. "I was scared. But I give all the credit to Dr. Schweitzer. She has no idea what she's done.
"With any type of cancer, I wouldn't recommend people go with their first option. They should explore as many alternatives as possible."
Henry Ford HospitalCONTACT: Synthia Bryant (Radio/TV), or David Olejarz (Print), of HenryFord Hospital, +1-313-876-2882
Web site: http://henryfordhealth.org/