Biophotonics

Photodymanic Therapy involves the topical application of a light sensitive drug, such as Metvix® from Galderma, followed by irradiation with red light. The drug is selectively taken up by tumour cells, such as basal cell carcinoma or squamous cell carcinoma, which are destroyed upon light activation. The laser is the traditional choice in a clinical setting, but for time and cost reasons treatment with a laser requires a short treatment time and consequently a high dose. To address this issue, wearable Organic Light Emitting Diode light sources are being developed at St Andrews which allow longer treatment times with smaller doses. Trials are ongoing in collaboration with Ninewells Hospital, Dundee, to apply custom light sources to the treatment not only of cancer, but also diseases such as actinic keratosis, chronic wounds, acne, dermatitus, and even wart and wrinkle removal. A spin-out company, Lumicure, has recently been formed in order to pursue this technology further.

Key References

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