Solid tumor treatment using pulsed photothermal therapy.

This publication outlines the utilization of long-pulsed laser light to treat tumors that have been pre-treated with light-absorbing nano-particles in the far-red spectrum. By exposing the nano-particles to the laser light, the energy is converted to heat, effectively destroying the tumor cells internally. The advantage of using far-red laser light is that it can penetrate deep into tissues without causing harm to healthy tissues. The energy conversion and heating only occur when the light interacts with the nano-particles accumulated in the tumor. Additionally, this photo-thermal therapy approach triggers the release of intracellular molecules that activate the immune system, making it suitable for combination with immunotherapy. Although the proof-of-concept was demonstrated in murine models of bladder cancer, this approach has the potential to be applied to various types of solid tumor cancers.

The prototype long-pulsed laser device was developed with the support of Mitacs funding and in collaboration with Dolleris Scientific Corp, led by Casper Dolleris. Dr. Negin Farivar, a former PhD student with D. Daugaard, performed the experimental work and Dr. Peter C. Black offered crucial assistance in the bladder cancer model system.

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