Research

Photodynamic Therapy PDT consists of using drugs that are activated by light (photosensitizers) to kill cancer cells.
1. Light sensitive drug is taken up by tumor cells. 2. Laser light is applied to target area. 3. Tumour cells destroyed, normal cells spared.	Light delivery device for use in treatment of brain tumours. After surgery, PDT is used to destroy residual tumour.

Optical Diagnostics and Imaging Fluorescence endoscopy enhances detection of pre-cancerous lesions in the esophagus and colon.
Imaging enhanced with fluorescent drug in the esophagus.		Natural fluorescence used to locate tumor regrowth in the colon.

Optical Microscopy Confocal microscopy uses scanning laser beams to image 3-dimensional structures at high resolution.
Confocal fluorescence microscopy images of normal (left) and abnormal (right) esophagus.		Apoptosis (programmed cell death) from PDT in control (left) and treated (right) tumour.

Image Guided Thermal Therapy IGTT uses lasers and other energy sources to destroy cancers in difficult sites such as the prostate.

Treatment of prostate cancer, showing fibre placement and treatment plan of heat distribution.

- updated 2008.08.01 -