Light Therapy for Mesothelioma Patients Improved With Infrared Tracking Device

Scientists have improved the way light-based therapy is used on mesothelioma patients following surgery. Using a laser, the photodynamic therapy (PDT) kills off cancer cells that remain after surgery.

Mesothelioma treatment using photodynamic therapy shows promise. 

The day before surgery, patients are injected with the light-sensitive PDT therapy which gathers in the cancer cells.

Surgeons will try and remove as much of the mesothelioma tumor as they can, then use the laser to activate the PDT in any remaining cancer cells to kill them.

However, doctors have to obtain a specific light wavelength to ensure the effectiveness of the therapy, as well as making sure the light has been evenly distributed over the region in order to activate the PDT in all of the cancer cells.

By using an infrared camera to track pre-placed light detectors inside the lung cavity, doctors are able to better guide the light source and activate more of the PDT. Read more about this research here.

Lung biopsy is more accurate for diagnosing mesothelioma, a study finds. 

Mesothelioma Research News is strictly a news and information website about the disease. It does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website.

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