RSS Feeds

Earth Science

Space Science

Life Science

Fields of Scientific Study

Nanotechnology

Cancer

Definitions of The Fields of Scientific Study

Laser therapy can aggravate skin cancer

November 20, 2009

High irradiances of low-level laser therapy (LLLT) should not be used over melanomas. Researchers writing in the open access journal BMC Cancer studied the pain relieving, anti-inflammatory 'cold laser', finding that it caused increased tumour growth in a mouse model of skin cancer.

Jan M. Bjordal from Bergen University College, Norway worked with a team of Brazilian researchers to carry out the in vitro and in vivo experiments. He said, "LLLT has gained increasing popularity as a treatment for soft tissue injuries and joint conditions. However, there is a shortage of evidence, especially in vivo evidence, about the effects of LLLT in malignant conditions such as melanoma".

Bjordal and his colleagues applied LLLT to cancer cultures and to mice injected with melanoma cells. Although the treatment did not cause any significant changes in the cell cultures, direct irradiation of the tumor with high-dose LLLT caused a significant increase in tumor mass volume and considerable histological alterations, indicating a worsening of the cancer, in the mice. The researchers write, "A high irradiance (2.5W/cm2) combined with high dose of 1050 J/cm2, can stimulate melanoma tumor growth with distinct histological features in vivo".

"It is important that this contraindication is implemented into clinical practice so that LLLT can remain a safe treatment", says Bjordal.

LLLT was pioneered in the 1970s, when it was discovered that light from low-intensity lasers causes cells to proliferate more rapidly. It is marketed as a treatment for hair-loss, pain management, sports medicine and skin care - among many other things. Home-treatment sets are available online for unsupervised use.

BioMed Central

Related Laser Therapy Current Events and Laser Therapy News Articles

Laser Therapy Current Events and Laser Therapy News RSS

Treating ROP in tiny preemies; better glaucoma follow-up in urban clinic
Highlights of today's Scientific Program of the 2009 American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO) - Pan-American Association of Ophthalmology (PAAO) Joint Meeting include: John T. Flynn, MD, Columbia University School of Medicine, discussing the ever-tougher challenges Eye M.D.s face in caring for the vision of the tiniest premature babies; and a report by Bradford W. Lee, MD, Stanford University School of Medicine, on barriers to glaucoma follow-up as perceived by patients in an urban, culturally diverse clinic.

Rice fine-tunes attack on cancer
Two lasers may be better than one when attacking cancer cells, according to a paper by Rice University scientists.

Fetal surgeon shows for first time that laser procedure may treat vasa previa
A University of South Florida fetal surgeon at Tampa General Hospital successfully treated in utero a rare but potentially devastating condition in which placental blood vessels block the birth canal and can rupture during labor, leaving the baby without vital blood and oxygen. If undiagnosed, the condition known as vasa previa is frequently deadly for newborns.

Benchmark fetal surgery study finds timeliness to be critical factor in success of treatment
It's one of the biggest controversies in fetal surgery and the cause of heated debate among surgeons and maternal-fetal medicine physicians around the world: What's the best way to treat twin-twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS), one of the most common conditions requiring fetal surgery and the leading cause of mortality in twins?

St. Jude announces breakthrough in eye cancer treatment
Scientists at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital have demonstrated in a mouse model a new, locally applied treatment for the eye cancer retinoblastoma that not only greatly reduces the size of the tumor, but does so without causing the side effects common with standard chemotherapy.

Nanoparticles, nanoshells, nanotubes: How tiny specks may provide powerful tools against cancer
They're but a tiny speck, existing in a variety of forms: particles, tubes, shells, even a soccerball-like shape. They also share a common prefix: "nano," connoting their size, a billionth of a meter or roughly 25-millionth of an inch.

Evolving trends in the treatment of vascular birthmarks
The September/October issue of Archives of Facial Plastic Surgery, one of the JAMA/Archives journals, contains several articles on the current state of knowledge and experience with vascular birthmarks, which are caused by blood vessels that do not form correctly.

Slight Fluorescence Gives Hope For Recovery
Stomach ulcer not only aches, it also fluoresce. Russian researchers believe that the brighter the fluorescence is, the less chances the patient has to do without the operation.

Laser Destroys Atherosclerosis Plaques
Russian medical professionals are trying to fight atherosclerosis by means of low-intensity infrared laser therapy. The relevant clinical tests are demonstrating successful results. Atherosclerosis vascular diseases have become the principal cause of disability or death for the population of industrially developed countries. Atherosclerosis plaques cause stenosis of the vessel lumen and restrict normal blood circulation which leads to the development of ischemia, brain strokes, encephalopathy, clogged leg vessels and many other diseases. Though there are considerable achievements in fighting atherosclerosis, medicine has not yet succeeded in conquering it. The main problem is created by ath

Smoking linked to blindness
Smokers are up to four times as likely to become blind in later life from age related macular degeneration (AMD) than non-smokers, but many remain largely unaware of this risk, warn researchers in this week's BMJ. AMD is the most common cause of adult blindness, which results in severe irreversible loss of central vision. One in five cases of AMD in the UK may be attributable to smoking. This represents around 54,000 people over 69 years of whom nearly 18,000 are blind. Evidence also shows that quitting smoking slows the development of age related macular degeneration, whereas continued smoking can affect the long term response to treatments such as laser therapy. A sustained public health

More Laser Therapy Current Events and Laser Therapy News Articles

	Light and Laser Therapy: Clinical Procedures by Curtis Turchin (Author), Curtis Turchin (Editor), Curtis Turchin (Editor), MA (Editor), MA (Editor), DC (Editor), DC (Editor) A great book which provides clinical information to help effectively use light therapy. Designed for almost any type of light therapy product, whether laser or LED, cluster or point probe. This new book includes a short overview of physics, physiology, and the history of laser, but is primarily focused on the clinical aspects of laser therapy. What the average chiropractor needs.
	LightSonic ST256 Light Therapy System by Pretika Low-level infrared LED light technology at a wavelength of 670 nanometers works to stimulate the skin�s own natural processes and may help reduce wrinkles.
	Treating Addictions with Laser Therapy - Book and DVD by Dr Curtis Turchin (Author), MA (Author), DC (Author) This booklet and DVD have everything you need to get started using lasers to treat cigarette, food and alcohol addictions. The text describes the history of the procedure, FDA guidelines for laser treatment, choosing the right laser, protocols, and accepted European and Asian Nogier treatment points. The DVD includes background and scientific information as well as demonstrating common points. This is the only book and DVD to inexpensively begin training practitioners in this exciting new field.
	X5 hair Laser ~ from Spencer Forest by Spencer Forest Low level laser light has been shown as the most effective new treatment for thinning hair. It takes only three 10-15 minute treatments per week to improve the appearance and condition of fine or thinning hair. Attention to the remarkable results of the X5 Hair Laser, FOR BOTH MEN AND WOMEN, has been noted worldwide. Now you can enjoy the reults at home with the most advance hair laser therapy developed. Can be used with other hair growth products such as minoxidil.
	Healing Light: The Miracle of Cold Laser Therapy by David Hirschenson (Author), Jeff Maddux (Author)
	Spencer Forrest X5 Hair Thinning Laser Light Therapy [Health and Beauty] by Spencer Forrest Low level laser light has been shown as the most effective new treatment for thinning hair. It takes only three 10-15 minute treatments per week to improve the appearance and condition of fine or thinning hair. Attention to the remarkable results of the X5 Hair Laser, FOR BOTH MEN AND WOMEN, has been noted worldwide. Now you can enjoy the reults at home with the most advance hair laser therapy developed. Can be used with other hair growth products such as minoxidil.
	Milady's Aesthetician Series: Lasers and Light Therapy by Pamela Hill (Author) The Laser and Light addition is the first of it’s kind, offering a unique approach into the science and technology of laser and light systems. The reader will be exposed to all aspects of this specialized field whether one is working in a medical spa, day spa, or medical clinic. This book is designed to address areas of hair removal and facial / body rejuvenation from a beginning conceptual level into practical hands-on application. Detailed information of treatment protocols is explored starting with the initial consultation and skin care, to the selection of the appropriate cosmetic device, to the deliver of the laser/light technology. The management of the client’s goals and maximization of each treatment’s outcome is also emphasized for the reader. As one gains knowledge...
	Baby Quasar Photorejuvenation Light Therapy by AdvanThera Beautiful, more clear skin begins from within. There's actually good science behind light therapy which shows how cell rejuvenation will create a more youthful appearance. The Baby Quasar uses four different wavelengths, between 600 and 1200 nm, both red and infrared, to stimulate maximum cellular activity. Other devices only use either one or two wavelengths. Using SequePulse Technology, our patent pending answer to the problems associated with using multiple wavelengths, the Baby Quasar is the perfect solution for someone trying to achieve more youthful look without having to spend both time and money on a Skincare Therapist. The Baby Quasar is very compact and requires no extra valuable tabletop space. Keep it safely tucked out of the way when not in use.
	X5 Hair Laser Hair Therapy by Spencer Forrest Toppik by Spencer Forrest It's all over the news media: Low Level laser light has been shown as the most effective new treatment available for thinning hair. It improves the appearance and condition of fine or thinning hair with only three 10-15 minute treatments per week. Worldwide attention is focused on the remarkable result men and women are achieving in as little as a few months. And now you can enjoy these results at home with the most advanced laser hair therapy devise ever developed. Greater Coverage: 15 distinct points of bio-stimulating laser light bathe your scalp covering in are over 9 square inches (23 cm.) Direct Scalp Contact: Laser light is delivered by proprietary Laser Channels which make direct contact with the scalp. The laser light is not obstructed by existing hair. A floating membrane...
	Clinical Procedures in Laser Skin Rejuvenation (Series in Cosmetic and Laser Therapy) by Paul Carniol (Editor), Neil S. Sadick (Editor) As the number and variety of lasers increase, it is timely to review which lasers are best for which clinical procedures. This well illustrated text from respected authorities provides the answers for a number of commonly encountered problems. Even established laser surgeons will be interested to learn about newer laser varieties, such as fractionated lasers, and on methods to combine additional and adjunctive procedures for a better esthetic result.