RSS Feeds

Earth Science

Space Science

Life Science

Fields of Scientific Study

Nanotechnology

Cancer

Definitions of The Fields of Scientific Study

Photodynamic therapy effective for certain head and neck cancers

October 05, 2009

New research released at world's largest ENT meeting

San Diego, CA - A combination of medications and a particular light therapy is effective at treating certain types of head and neck cancers in subtropical climates.

In a paper presented at the 2009 American Academy of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery Foundation (AAO-HNSF) Annual Meeting & OTO EXPO in San Diego, researchers from the University of Miami presented findings from a study on dysplasia and carcinomas of the head and neck. It analyzed the effect of photodynamic therapy (PDT), a treatment that uses a drug, called a photosensitizer or photosensitizing agent, and a particular type of light in tropical climates. The study involved 24 males and 22 females, with an average age of 66 years. A total of 82 different lesions were treated, mostly in the oral cavity and vocal chords.

Results revealed that organ preservation and cancer cure can be achieved in patients with recurrent cancer that is superficially spread in the head and neck, but not deeply infiltrated. However, the authors cautioned that patients need extensive instruction on how to take the medications and follow-up counseling.

PDT is usually performed as an outpatient procedure, may be repeated, and may be used with other therapies, such as surgery, radiation, or chemotherapy, giving patients a variety of treatment options.

American Academy of Otolaryngology -- Head and Neck Surgery

Related Light Therapy Current Events and Light Therapy News Articles

Light Therapy Current Events and Light Therapy News RSS

Universal screening lowers risk of severe jaundice in infants
Screening all newborns for excessive bilirubin in the blood can significantly decrease the incidence of severe jaundice which, in extreme cases, can lead to seizures and brain damage.

Chemotherapy for breast cancer is associated with disruption of sleep-wake rhythm in women
A study in the Sept.1 issue of the journal Sleep shows that the sleep-wake activity rhythms of breast cancer patients are impaired during the administration of chemotherapy.

Seasonal Affective Disorder May Be Linked to Genetic Mutation, Study Suggests
With the days shortening toward winter, many people will begin to experience the winter blahs. For some, the effect can be devastating.

Blue light used to harden tooth fillings stunts tumor growth
A blue curing light used to harden dental fillings also may stunt tumor growth, Medical College of Georgia researchers say.

Combined stenting and photodynamic therapy improves survival in late stage liver cancer patients
A combined therapeutic approach of stenting and photodynamic therapy may improve survival rates for patients suffering from advanced liver bile duct cancer, according to a study published this month in Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology, the official journal of the American Gastroenterological Association (AGA) Institute.

Bright light therapy eases bipolar depression for some
Bright light therapy can ease bipolar depression in some patients, according to a study published in the journal Bipolar Disorders.

UV light improving chances of fighting cancer
Scientists at Newcastle University have developed a cancer fighting technology which uses UV light to activate antibodies which very specifically attack tumours.

Light-induced hormone surge points to benefits of light therapy
A report in the November Cell Metabolism reveals powerful effects of light on the adrenal glands, a finding that might explain the broad benefits of bright light therapy for a variety of conditions, including sleep and depressive disorders, according to researchers.

Mood Lighting: Penn Researchers Determine Role of Serotonin in Modulating Circadian Rhythm
Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine have determined how serotonin decreases the body's sensitivity to light and that exposure to constant darkness leads to a decrease in serotonin levels in the brain of fruit flies.

Good smells and bright light are good "medicine" for people with dementia
Aromatherapy and bright light therapy can reduce symptoms such as agitation and sleep disturbances and improve the quality of life for people with Alzheimer's disease and other dementias, according to information presented here today at the 11th Congress of the International Psychogeriatric Association (IPA). The addition of these alternative medicine techniques to treatment plans also may improve the quality of life for caregivers, researchers reported.

More Light Therapy Current Events and Light Therapy News Articles

	NatureBright SunTouch Plus Light and Ion Therapy Lamp by NatureBright Advanced reflectors High Density Negative Ionization Effective bandwidth: 60% Clinically demonstrated. EMF protected UL, CUL, CE Safety listed No harmful UV. 30 day money back guarantee 2 year warranty Top selling effective dual treatment! Because the Sun Touch Plus combines SkyEffect Technology and Ion Technology , it provides powerful results using a lower level of 10, 000 LUX light making the treatment easier on the eyes and more enjoyable to use. The Sun Touch Plus produces 17000 Kelvin which makes it the highest rated Kelvin light therapy device on the market and the closest to actual blue sky. Small Size, the small size of the light box (smaller than many desk lamps) makes it easy to move or travel. The Sun Touch Plus also comes with a built in timer to help you control the length...
	Uplift Technologies DL930 Day-Light 10,000 Lux SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder) Lamp by Uplift Technologies Day-Lights are specially designed bright light therapy lamps recommended by doctors as the first line treatment for Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), or the winter blues. Used in clinical research for over 10 years, Day-Lights conform to all standards set by light therapy experts – they provide the recommended 10,000 lux light dosage; the light source is delivered at an angle that mimics outdoor light; and they are 100% UV-filtered for safety. 20-30 minutes each morning is all it takes to significantly improve energy levels and regulate sleep patterns. The compact Day-Light casing can be used alone with the built-in, tilt-back stand, which also fits conveniently into standard carry-on luggage. Three-compact fluorescent light tubes (4,000 Kelvin) deliver 10,000 lux at 12 inches for...
	Philips goLITE BLU Light Therapy Device by Philips Start feeling better now. "After a week with the goLITE, my wife happily announced that her 'summer husband' had returned." "I feel great: more energy, more positive and optimistic, more like the person I am in the summer." We couldn't have said it better. These are real quotes from real people who improved their moods and beat the winter blues using light. And you can too. Light is nature's stimulant. The upbeat feeling you get on a bright sunny day is no accident-it's the result of light triggering our bodies to release "active" hormones, and we feel great. Winter can be a challenge for many because the shorter days and longer nights leave us simply "light-deprived". Without the normal light stimulation, we often feel down, lethargic or sad. Light therapy provides a natural boost...
	Zadro Sunlight 365 Personal Artificial Sunlight Therapy by zadro Sunlight 365 LED Mood Enhancing Light
	Verilux HappyLite Deluxe Sunshine Simulator by Verilux Although our lives, health and well-being are dependent upon the sun, most of us do not get enough sunshine every day. Bright light is used for alleviating symptoms associated with Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), jet lag, shift work fatigue, seasonal change and insomnia. Get your daily dose of sunshine and boost your body's sense of well-being, alertness and energy with the HappyLite Deluxe Sunshine Simulator. It features a 10,000 Lux daylight balanced light at 9 inches. Includes 2 daylight spectrum compact flourescent lamps. Convenient built-in stand and carrying handle. Wall mount option. Ultra lightweight at just 8 pounds. High performance ballast. 72 watts, UL listed. Provides soothing glare free, flicker free light, low emi, compact euro-style design.
	Philips BriteLITE 6 by Philips Sleep Better. Wake Refreshed. Have More Energy. Improve Your Mood. 10,000 Lux Light Therapy. Your Body Clock Affects Your Sleep, Mood, and Energy. Your "body clock" is the center in your brain that uses light to regulate your sleep, mood, and energy cycles. If you struggle with these cycles, your body clock may not be responding properly to normal light signals. You Can Manage Your Body Clock. When your body clock doesn't get the right type of light, it can make you feel tired and moody. The right light at the right time will reset your sleep, mood, and energy cycles, so you can sleep better and feel great during waking hours. The briteLITE safely and quickly provides the light your body needs. Easier Than It Sounds. The briteLITE is easy to use, and most people notice a...
	Litebook Elite Hand-Held Light Therapy Device by Litebook The Litebook Elite is the new generation of light therapy, the result of years of research and development in hand-held light therapy devices. This new model features a custom lens and diffusion system which, combined with the high-performance white LEDs that all Litebook products are known for, produces a uniform field of bright yet soothing light. Additional new features for the Elite include a multiple-setting timer (15-30-45-60 minutes) and a long-lasting built-in rechargeable lithium-ION battery with a charge indicator ¿ all of this in a compact, sleek, new design which fits into your lifestyle. When used everyday, the Litebook Elite will improve your mood, increase your energy level and restore your sleep patterns. Most people notice results within 30 days - often sooner.
	Verilux Natural Spectrum HappyLite Mini VTCP01 - 2-Pack [Health and Beauty] by Verilux The HappyLite Mini produces a combined 5000 LUX of bright white light, which helps to combat the effects of fatigue and lethargy, improves mood, increase energy and revitalization
	NatureBright PER3 Deluxe Light Therapy Lamp by NatureBright Wake Up to Light - Dawn & Dust Simulators for Perfect Good Morning & Good Nights The PER3 simulates the light of a naturalistic summer dawn by gradually increasing the intensity of light prior to wake up time. Clinical studies concluded that twilight exposure apears able to promote circadian phase adjustments, morning melatonin suppresion, regularized sleep patterns, and antidepressant responses. Gentle & Effectve Home Light Therapy Treatment The PER3 delivers therapeutic bright light at a comfortable distance. Daily treatments of 15 to 30 minutes offer gently effective therapy for: Winter SAD Sleep Disorders Depression
	Apollo Health Sun Touch Plus Light Therapy Device by Philips Respironics The Apollo Sun Touch Plus is the result of over 20 years of clinical studies from leading institutions such as the National Institute of Health, Harvard University, NASA, The Mayo Clinic, Stanford Sleep Clinic, Yale University, Cornell University, Thomas Jefferson University, and many others on the effectiveness of light therapy for a variety of disorders relating to the body clock, or circadian rhythm. The SunTouch combines the helpful effects of light therapy with ionization for a completely natural, prescription-free treatment that will keep that summertime feeling all day. Feel Better. Faster.