PDT: AFTER 2X24 HOURS

Interstitial technique of PDT is used to debulk huge tumours.
The debulking process started hours after illumination by direct cytotoxic effect of PDT into tumour cells and by vascular shutdown
resulting in tumor apoptosis and necrosis.
In order to treat tumours thicker than 1 cm(limit of light penetration depth into the human tissue),the interstitial illumination technique was invented.
By this technique laser fibres with a light diffuser at the tip are implanted into the tumour tissue.
Laser fibres are feed-through needles,which can be placed under image guidance in the tumour(CT,MRI or US).
In large tumours,several fibres can be placed close to each other(12 cm apart) in order to illuminate the entire tumour volume.
Interstitial light delivery allows PDT to be used in the treatment of large,buried tumours and is particularly suitable for those whose surgery would involve extensive resection or for those who are unsuitable for surgery.
Due to the difficult and non precise light dosimetry in the tumout,interstitial PDT is mainly used with palliativeintention,as stated by Xu et al.
The pictures shown are PDT in large tumour of the neck,before (upper picture)and 2x24 hours (lower picture)after laser interstitial illumination.

PDT:A NOVELL APPROACH TO CANCER TREATMENT

The content of this posting is derived from the review by Kecheng Xu,Guo Zhiqian,Lizhi Niu,from Fuda Cancer Hospital, Guangzhou.

PDT is a promising new approach for the treatment of cancer.

The principle of PDT is based on photochemical reaction,which is initiated by light activation of a photosensitizing drug causing tumour cell death.

Light is mainly applied by superficial illumination of the tumour and the surrounding tissue causing drug activation followed by tumour cell death.

The PDT is mostly used for superficial and endoluminal lesions like skin or bladder malignancies and also more frequently applied for the treatment of lung,esophageal,and head and neck cancer.

With the help of specially designed application systems,PDT is now becoming a practiceable option for solid lesions,including those in parenchymal organs such as the liver.

New techniques use glass fibres,which are stabbed into the tumour,leading the light directly into the tumour tissue.

The intra-operative application of PDT to treat and "mop-up" the tumour bed of any remaining tumour cells has been reported.

PDT damage heals mainly by regeneration rather than by scarring.
Due to the organ preserving principle of PDT,important structures are maintained with good functional and cosmetic outcome.

The principle of PDT and different indications for PDT were reviewed.

(Pictures show PDT procedure done in Gading Pluit Hospital,Jakarta,Indonesia. Photo courtesy of this blog author)

ACUPUNCTURE &HN CANCER

ScienceDaily (Jun. 5, 2008) — New data from a randomized, controlled trial found that acupuncture provided significant reductions in pain, dysfunction, and dry mouth in head and neck cancer patients after neck dissection. The study was led by David Pfister, MD, Chief of the Head and Neck Medical Oncology Service, and Barrie Cassileth, PhD, Chief of the Integrative Medicine Service, at Memorial Slo an-Kettering Cancer Center (MSKCC). Dr. Pfister presented the findings May 30 at the annual meeting of the American Society for Clinical Oncology.(as reported by ScienceDaily to my desk)
My personal experience with surgery,radiotherapy,chemotherapy and PDT showed effectiveness of acupuncture (electro-acupuncture and laser-acupuncture) to control side effects and adverse events of cancer treatments.

PICTURE FROM BERLIN

The picture showed author of this blog in front of the building where Max Planck lectured The Quantum Theory.
(Berlin,autumn,2006)

SURGERY FOR SNORING:TONSILLECTOMY AND UVULOPLASTY

Snorer may have choices for surgical intervention.The type of surgery should be defined by an ENT Surgeon after clinical history and examination,including procedure name of sleep endoscopy.
This procedure of upper aerodigestive tract endoscopy examination while sleeping (through artificial sleep induced by medication)
The examination- using flexible endoscope(fiber endoscopy)- will look /locate the problem(s)(soft palate,uvula,tonsil,lateral pharyngeal wall,epiglottis etc).
The problem(s) of an individual case will be revealed and the surgery will be done based on these objective findings.

More than one finding or multi level obstruction maybe defined.
The picture of this posting show the patient following tonsillectomy and uvuloplasty,assisted by an Argon Beam Coagulator.(a medical device to coagulate/stop the bleeding during surgery).
This posting is only for public information.
You have to consult your doctor if you have problem of your health,including snoring.
One type of snoring is OSA(Obstructive Sleep Apnea), which is one of the major public health problem in the world.