Improvement of the light-tissue coupling for better outcome of phototherapies

Author(s)

da Silva, Dilleys Ferreira ; Vollet Filho, Jose Dirceu ; Fortunato, Thereza Cury ; Moriyama, Lilian Tan ; Grecco, Clovis ; Pratavieira, Sebastiao ; Kurachi, Cristina ; Bagnato, Vanderlei Salvador ; Kessel, DH ; Hasan, T

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: OPTICAL METHODS FOR TUMOR TREATMENT AND DETECTION: MECHANISMS AND TECHNIQUES IN PHOTODYNAMIC THERAPY XXVII; v. 10476, p. 12-pg., 2018-01-01.

Abstract

Phototherapies have been increasingly used in several applications such as the control of pain and inflammatory processes, photodynamic therapy, and even aesthetics uses. After many decades, the dosimetry for those techniques remains challenging. One of the key issues is the lack of homogeneity obtained for tissue illumination, which may limit adequate treatment. Especially concerning lesions, the surface tissue is usually irregular, and the light does not couple to the tissue efficiently to promote an effective treatment. A series of experiments have been performed using optical phantoms, in which coupling was improved by introducing a gel with a low concentration of scattering agents between the fiber and the phantom as an attempt to improve the homogeneity of light distribution within the phantoms. The effects promoted by roughness on phantom tissue surfaces are considerably attenuated when the coupling gel was introduced, resulting in a more uniform illumination pattern that may be used to promote better phototherapy treatments outcome. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 13/07276-1 - CEPOF - Optics and Photonic Research Center
• Grantee: Vanderlei Salvador Bagnato
• Support Opportunities: Research Grants - Research, Innovation and Dissemination Centers - RIDC
• FAPESP's process: 14/50857-8 - National Institute in Basic Optics and Applied to Life Sciences
• Grantee: Vanderlei Salvador Bagnato
• Support Opportunities: Research Projects - Thematic Grants