National Medical Laser Centre - Homepage

The National Medical Laser Centre is one of the most comprehensive medical laser research centres in Europe. The major emphasis is on translational research - understanding the interaction of light with living tissue in the laboratory and using the results to develop new techniques for the diagnosis and treatment of human disease. It is a world leader in photodynamic therapy (PDT -the combination of light and a photosensitising drug), having defined much of the biology that has led to clinical applications in the treatment of dysplasia and cancer in the mouth, oesophagus, lungs and other organs. It was the first centre to describe image guided, minimally invasive PDT for cancers of the prostate and pancreas and as an adjuvant to balloon angioplasty to prevent re-stenosis.

Technical and Laboratory Research Projects

Research programmes are designed to study how laser techniques can be applied safely and effectively to a range of diseased tissues, without causing any unacceptable damage to adjacent normal tissues.

Emphasis is on light delivery, dosimetry and monitoring. We are developing new single and multi-fibre systems for light delivery to various organs. Imaging techniques are being studied,both to define the true extent of the lesions being treated and to assess whether adequate treatment has been delivered to all relevant areas. This is done with ultrasound, CT and magnetic resonance imaging.

New monitoring techniques are being explored, including fibre optic sensors which can be inserted into tissue during treatment to measure factors such as tissue oxygenation and photo-sensitiser degradation.

With each new laser technique, the aim is to find out how best to use it in any particular clinical situation and then to undertake trials to compare it with the best available conventional alternatives. Particular attention is given to clinical efficacy, patient comfort, convenience, and cost. Some laser applications are now well-established, but many are just starting clinical assessment and clinical trials.

Detailed follow-up is needed to establish which really represent advances in clinical practice.

This page last modified 24 April, 2008 by Faith Hanstater.