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| Hope over new 'skin cancer patch' | Hope over new 'skin cancer patch' |
| (4 days later) | |
| A portable light source for treating common skin cancers has been developed by two Scottish scientists. | A portable light source for treating common skin cancers has been developed by two Scottish scientists. |
| The light-emitting "sticking plaster", powered by a small battery pack, could allow patients to be treated in GP surgeries or at home. | The light-emitting "sticking plaster", powered by a small battery pack, could allow patients to be treated in GP surgeries or at home. |
| Currently, large, intense light sources in hospitals are used to activate anti-cancer creams applied to the skin. | Currently, large, intense light sources in hospitals are used to activate anti-cancer creams applied to the skin. |
| The experts, from St Andrews University and Dundee's Ninewells Hospital, now hope to commercialise their invention. | The experts, from St Andrews University and Dundee's Ninewells Hospital, now hope to commercialise their invention. |
| Professor Ifor Samuel said the technology was an adaptation of photodynamic therapy treatment (PDT), which required skin cancer patients to lie under a light for several hours in a special cubicle. | Professor Ifor Samuel said the technology was an adaptation of photodynamic therapy treatment (PDT), which required skin cancer patients to lie under a light for several hours in a special cubicle. |
| "By adapting the latest technology to an existing treatment method, we have developed a compact light source for treating common skin cancers," he said. | "By adapting the latest technology to an existing treatment method, we have developed a compact light source for treating common skin cancers," he said. |
| The light-emitting patch is a low-cost, portable and convenient method of treatment Prof James Ferguson | The light-emitting patch is a low-cost, portable and convenient method of treatment Prof James Ferguson |
| The metallic plaster contains its own light source - an organic light-emitting diode. | The metallic plaster contains its own light source - an organic light-emitting diode. |
| Light is emitted when a low voltage electric current passes through it. | Light is emitted when a low voltage electric current passes through it. |
| Professor James Ferguson, head of the photobiology unit at Ninewells Hospital, said: "Our initial pilot trials have already shown its effectiveness and we find patients requesting this treatment over conventional methods." | Professor James Ferguson, head of the photobiology unit at Ninewells Hospital, said: "Our initial pilot trials have already shown its effectiveness and we find patients requesting this treatment over conventional methods." |
| Like other forms of PDT, the "sticking plaster" treatment is only suitable for less serious non-melanoma cancers near the surface of the skin. | Like other forms of PDT, the "sticking plaster" treatment is only suitable for less serious non-melanoma cancers near the surface of the skin. |
| More dangerous, melanoma skin cancer has to be treated with surgery, radiotherapy and sometimes chemotherapy. | More dangerous, melanoma skin cancer has to be treated with surgery, radiotherapy and sometimes chemotherapy. |
| The researchers said the technology could also be used for cosmetic anti-ageing treatments, and to treat conditions such as acne. | The researchers said the technology could also be used for cosmetic anti-ageing treatments, and to treat conditions such as acne. |