Photodynamic Therapy News and Research

RSS

New near-infrared activated photo-oxidants kill cancer cells without oxygen

A research team led by scientists from City University of Hong Kong (CityU) has achieved a significant breakthrough by inventing a new class of near-infrared-activated photo-oxidants that can effectively kill cancer cells without requiring oxygen.

20 Sep 2023

Using ultrasound for an effective sonodynamic treatment of orthotopic pancreatic cancer

Ultrasound is a promising technique for treating cancer. Unlike laser light, used in photodynamic cancer therapy, ultrasound waves can reach deep into tissue-;up to 12 cm-;to treat deep tumors without damaging healthy cells.

14 Jun 2023

UTSW expert advises screening by 55 for people with family history of age-related macular degeneration

Patients with a family history of age-related macular degeneration (AMD), the leading cause of permanent vision loss in those older than 60, should visit an ophthalmologist by age 55 to be screened for signs of the disease, advises an expert at UT Southwestern Medical Center.

21 Mar 2023

Next-generation light-activated nanotech can eradicate antibiotic-resistant superbugs

It's 'lights out' for antibiotic-resistant superbugs as next-generation light-activated nanotech proves it can eradicate some of the most notorious and potentially deadly bacteria in the world.

16 Jan 2023

Specialized MRI sensor can detect light deep within tissues

Using a specialized MRI sensor, MIT researchers have shown that they can detect light deep within tissues such as the brain.

22 Dec 2022

What is the efficacy of curcumin as a photosensitizer, prophylactic and therapeutic agent against SARS-CoV-2?

In a new study, researchers investigated the efficacy of curcumin as a blue light photosensitizing agent for photodynamic therapy (PDT), as a prophylactic agent, and as a therapeutic agent against SARS-CoV-2.

30 Sep 2022

Research opens a new avenue for the treatment of cancer by phototherapy

One approach to treating cancer is photodynamic therapy using photo-uncaging systems, in which light is used to activate a cancer-fighting agent in situ at the tumor.

20 Sep 2022

Scientists create new fluorophores that could help fight cancer

Scientists from the Ural Federal University and the Ural Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences have created new fluorescent chemical compounds (fluorophores) for photodynamic therapy of cancerous tumors, the latest method of treating cancer.

27 Jun 2022

Low-cost wireless device could provide precise, safe treatment options for cancers

For those diagnosed with colorectal cancer, surgery has been the only option that offers a solution. Unfortunately, surgery is frequently complicated by disease recurrence at the site of the original cancer when microscopic cancer cells are left behind at the time of surgery.

26 Apr 2022

Nanoparticle-enhanced phototherapies for cancer treatment

Treating cancer and other diseases with laser light is not currently considered routine in the clinical setting, but new approaches using nanoparticles show some promise in improving existing techniques.

15 Mar 2022

Novel nanoparticles enable synergy of radiation and photodynamic therapies of deep tumor tissues

Researchers Dr Yansong Feng and Prof. Hong Zhang at the Van 't Hoff Institute for Molecular Sciences at the University of Amsterdam (UvA) have designed and synthesized novel multi-layered, multi-functional nanoparticles that enable a combination of radiotherapy and photodynamic therapy for deep cancer tissue.

10 Mar 2022

Novel carbon dots exhibit antimicrobial activity against gram-negative bacteria

Researchers synthesize carbon dots using different precursors and studied their antimicrobial effects in gram-negative bacteria.

22 Nov 2021

Portable PDT device could pave the way for at-home treatment of basal cell carcinoma

A new prototype photodynamic therapy (PDT) device that can be used at home significantly reduces pain levels during treatment of basal cell carcinoma (BCC), while achieving efficacy comparable with a hospital stay. These findings come from a breakthrough pilot study, presented today at the 30th EADV Congress.

1 Oct 2021

Researchers develop new photodynamic therapy for the treatment of deep tumors

Therapies should be highly effective and as free as possible of side effects—a big challenge, particularly in the case of cancer.

1 Sep 2021

Blue light can activate key signaling pathway that plays role in embryonic development and cancer

Blue light is illuminating new understanding of a key signaling pathway in embryo development, tissue maintenance and cancer genesis.

17 Aug 2021

UTA chemist develops cancer medication that uses light to destroy tumor cells

A chemist at The University of Texas at Arlington is developing a cancer medication that uses light to target and destroy tumor cells in a process known as photodynamic therapy (PDT).

29 Jun 2021

New class of hydrogels can enable precise drug delivery

Hydrogels are commonly used inside the body to help in tissue regeneration and drug delivery. However, once inside, they can be challenging to control for optimal use. A team of researchers in the Department of Biomedical Engineering at Texas A&M University is developing a new way to manipulate the gel -- by using light.

3 Jun 2021

Compound isolated from Ophiura sarsii can be used as an affordable drug for photodynamic therapy

An unusual biologically active porphyrin compound was isolated from seabed dweller Ophiura sarsii. The substance might be used as an affordable light-sensitive drug for innovative photodynamic therapy and for targeted treatment of triple-negative breast cancer and some other cancers.

8 Feb 2021

Dartmouth-invented camera system captures real-time video of the beam during radiation treatment

Dartmouth's and Dartmouth-Hitchcock's Norris Cotton Cancer Center (NCCC) is the first cancer center in the world to install BeamSite Cherenkov imaging cameras in its radiotherapy treatment rooms.

6 Feb 2021

Researchers develop FLASH ultra-high-dose rate radiation therapy beam for cancer treatment

A joint team of researchers from Radiation Oncology at Dartmouth's and Dartmouth-Hitchcock's Norris Cotton Cancer Center, Dartmouth Engineering, and Dartmouth-Hitchcock's Department of Surgery have developed a method to convert a standard linear accelerator, used for delivery of radiation therapy cancer treatment, to a FLASH ultra-high-dose rate radiation therapy beam.

19 Jan 2021