ABSTRACT

The use of photons for therapy is very rewarding because almost all patients show a good response to treatment and thus you are interacting with patients who are pleased with the treatment. This situation is frequently magnified because many of the patients have been very displeased with their previous treatments. However, every patient does not have a problem-free course of treatment and it is necessary to have a good understanding of the potential problems to be able to intercede quickly as they arise. Participation in problem-solving clinics for phototherapy and photochemotherapy patients over many years, focused attention on several situations that frequently present as problems (Table 1). Together the problems discussed in this chapter account for about 95% of all patients discussed in that setting; therefore, although they have been mentioned elsewhere, they are worth special consideration.