New optical sources for interstitial and metronomic photodynamic therapy

Multiple clinical studies have shown that interstitial photodynamic therapy (iPDT) is a promising modality in the treatment of cancerous tumors in prostate, pancreas, head and neck cancer and brain. The laser fibers are into the target tissue inserted via needles, or placed in catheters [1]. However, the transport distance of light in biological tissues is limited by scattering and absorption. Practical therapeutic penetration depth is 0.1-1  mm for visible light in 400-600 nm and 2-3 mm for near infrared light in 700-1300 nm for most biological tissues.

Source: Photodiagnosis and Photodynamic Therapy - July 4, 2018 Category: Laser Surgery Authors: Serge Mordon Source Type: research