In-vivo photodynamic therapy monitoring and evaluation in non-melanoma skin cancer using spatially modulated images

• Grant number: 24/00206-2
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Post-Doctoral
• Start date: April 01, 2024
• End date: June 30, 2025
• Field of knowledge: Physical Sciences and Mathematics - Physics
• Agreement: CNPq - INCTs
• Principal Investigator: Vanderlei Salvador Bagnato
• Grantee: Luismar Barbosa da Cruz Junior
• Host Institution: Instituto de Física de São Carlos (IFSC). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). São Carlos , SP, Brazil
• Associated research grant: 14/50857-8 - National Institute in Basic Optics and Applied to Life Sciences, AP.TEM

Abstract

Photodynamic Therapy (PDT) has emerged as a promising approach in the treatment of various forms of cancer, with a particular emphasis on non-melanoma skin cancer. Skin cancer is a public health concern in Brazil due to its high incidence and the fact that the country spans a vast tropical region where sun exposure is frequent throughout the year. According to data fromthe National Cancer Institute (INCA), it is estimated that skin cancer accounts for more than 30% of all cancer cases registered in Brazil. With the aim of enhancing the effectiveness of PDT andunderstanding individual patient responses, this project proposes monitoring patients undergoing PDT treatment using the Spatial Frequency Domain Imaging (SFDI) technique, which is a non-invasive imaging technique that holds potential for evaluating the impact of PDT on tumor tissues. By employing sinusoidal patterns projected onto tissues and subsequent analysis of the resulting images, SFDI can provide quantitative data on local oxygen saturation (SpO2), tissue regeneration after tumor removal, and the identification of potential necrotic areas through the assessment of optical absorption and scattering coefficients. Collaborations with medical institutions such as the Amaral Carvalho Hospital in Jaú will makes possible the collection of clinical data from patients and the conduct of clinical trials. The integrity and safety of the involved patients will be ensured through an ethics committee approved by the partnering hospital. The ultimate goal of this project is to provide a deeper understanding of the interaction between PDT and tumor tissues, as well as the ability to customize treatment protocols for each patient. Furthermore, the project aims to improve the clinical outcomes of PDT and, consequently, the quality of life for patients diagnosed with non-melanoma skin cancer.

Scientific publications

(References retrieved automatically from Web of Science and SciELO through information on FAPESP grants and their corresponding numbers as mentioned in the publications by the authors)

DA CRUZ JUNIOR, LUISMAR BARBOSA; DE BARROS, KAIO BERNARDO; GIRASOL, CARLOS EDUARDO; LOBAO, RAISSA MENDONCA QUARANTA; BACHMANN, LUCIANO. Absorption Coefficient Estimation of Pigmented Skin Phantoms Using Colorimetric Parameters. Applied Spectroscopy, v. N/A, p. 9-pg., 2024-10-13. (24/00206-2, 17/25923-5)