Fluoroscans
"Fluoroscans" are a "bonus feature" of Photodynamic Therapy (PDT) Sensitizers
The evidence of selective concentration of sensitizer medications in the many varieties of abnormal and diseased structures is powerfully demonstrated with "Fluoroscans". These energy harvesting molecules concentrate in 'out of control' growths, show fluorescence and can be seen in real-time with specialized cameras and photographed. This is compelling evidence of the natural concentration of sensitizers in abnormal structures and foreign microbes.
Bladder tumor being scanned in real-time during PDT treatment. The Tumor is fluorescent as a result of sensitizer concentrating in the tumor and 'glowing' red with the fluorescent light.
The two main benefits of Fluoroscans are:
- Identification, diagnosis of tumors and localization of problem areas requiring light/ultrasound application and therapy.
In the case where biopsy identification and documentation is helpful or required, it assists in real-time accurately directing the technician where to obtain the optimal biopsy specimen. It can be a dynamic, functional form of diagnosis in such screening programs as early breast cancer detection. Rather than evaluating static anatomic features the diagnosis is guided by the fluorescence of abnormal cells which have chemically concentrated the sensitizer and can be visualized both in static images and in video. Using longer wave-length sensitizers aids in the visualization of deeper tumors in the breast etc. and a side benefit of the diagnostic exercise is that the light/ultrasound applied to trigger the fluorescence is also applying a treatment function to areas of pathology too small to be seen on the scan.
Above photos showing black and white fluorescent imaging of breast and skin tumors
Fluoroscan of tumor under tongue on left and after administration of sensitizer with fluoroscan on right
2. Imaging techniques using these advanced photosensitizers can be used in conjunction with endoscopes (fiber optic camera systems for internal exams) to reveal early ‘preclinical’ stages of cancer that allow ‘light surgery’ to be performed in an outpatient setting that is in many cases more effective than traditional therapies combined with the advantages of less disability, pain and side effects. Follow-up scans post-treatment can also provide metrics which, when compared to pre-treatment scans, may show a change in size and indicate the response to treatment