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Photo-oxidative Therapy What is photo-oxidative therapy? This page is archived as of 8/14/06. Please click here for current practice information. We no longer administer Photo-Oxidative Therapy. Photo-oxidative therapy is a therapeutic technique in which blood is drawn out of the body, exposed to specific spectrums of ultraviolet light (UV-C), then re-infused into the body. This technique was originally developed in the early 1900's to treat severe infections and was reported to be effective. With the advent of antibiotics, this treatment fell into disfavor. However, German physicians continued its use and explored other benefits of this technique. How does photo-oxidative therapy work? It is not clear exactly how photo-oxidative therapy works. It has been shown to increase the oxygen carrying capacity of blood, which results in improvement in tissue oxygenation. It is an immune modulating agent and as such has been used to treat certain types of lymphoma as well as chronic infections. For what conditions is photo-oxidative therapy used? Photo-oxidative therapy has been used in the treatment of chronic infections such as chronic hepatitis, chronic sinusitis and chronic bronchitis, chronic fatigue and fibromyalgia, asthma, and certain cancers. Is photo-oxidative therapy safe? Toxicity with this treatment is minimal with the exception of localized inflammation at the site of vein access. What is involved in the treatment? The procedure involves inserting a needle into a large vein in the arm. An intravenous line is connected and 3 ounces of blood (100 cc) is collected into a syringe while passing through the ultraviolet light source. The blood is then re-infused through the intravenous line, again passing through the ultraviolet light. This procedure takes approximately 15 minutes. Treatment is usually administered once to twice weekly. The duration of treatment varies according to the conditions treated. How do I make an appointment for ultraviolet blood irradiation? You will need to have a medical evaluation with Dr. Halbert to assess the appropriateness of this therapy for your condition. Return to Patient Services Home | Supplement Order Form Steven C. Halbert M.D. 1442 Ashbourne Road · Wyncote, PA 19095 · 215-886-7842 · 215-887-1921 (fax)