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Updated: Feb 15, 2026
04:53
An In Vitro Approach to Photodynamic Therapy
Published on: August 17, 2018
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In vivo wireless photonic photodynamic therapy
Akshaya Bansal1,2, Fengyuan Yang3, Tian Xi3
1Department of Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117583, Singapore.
Summary
A new wireless implantable device enables effective photodynamic therapy (PDT) for deep-seated tumors. This breakthrough overcomes light delivery limitations, allowing for multiple therapeutic light doses to be delivered wirelessly, improving cancer treatment potential.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Oncology
- Photonic Therapies
Background:
- Photodynamic therapy (PDT) uses light-activated drugs to destroy cancer cells, offering targeted treatment.
- Clinical PDT is limited by light penetration challenges in opaque biological tissues.
- Current methods restrict light delivery to single doses per surgery due to fiber optic limitations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a wireless photonic approach for overcoming light delivery limitations in PDT.
- To demonstrate the efficacy of a miniaturized implantable device for deep-tissue light delivery.
- To enable chronic and repeatable light-based cancer therapy.
Main Methods:
- Developed a miniaturized (30 mg, 15 mm³) implantable device with wireless powering for light delivery.
- Utilized photosensitizers (chlorin e6) activated by the device.
- Tested therapeutic efficacy in animal cancer models with tumors >3 cm deep.
Main Results:
- Successfully activated photosensitizers through >3 cm of tissue, inaccessible to direct illumination.
- Demonstrated suppression of tumor growth in vivo using multiple, controlled light doses.
- Validated the wireless device's ability to deliver therapeutic light doses repeatedly.
Conclusions:
- The wireless photonic approach overcomes critical clinical limitations in PDT light delivery.
- This technology offers a versatile platform for deep-tissue light-based therapies.
- The system shows significant potential for advancing chronic and targeted cancer treatments.
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