The data will be used to verify the accuracy of commercial 3-D computer planning systems and sophisticated dose distributions in phantoms. This research involves development of suitable radiochromic gels which are optically stable and a laser scanning system. Optically stable means that the 'true' dose image does not degrade by diffusion on the time scale of recording and optical readout. This project is in collaboration with Dr. Jerry Battista and a graduate student, Robin Kelly, M.Sc. PDT is a photochemical approach to selective cell destruction.
Photosensitive compounds become chemically reactive following absorption of visible light.
After selective uptake of these compounds by cancerous cells, illumination with visible light results in lethal damage. This therapeutic mode is beginning to enter routine clinical practice. However, there is the potential for significant improvements in this therapy by the development of new photosensitizers, understanding of their chemical, optical and biological properties. These same photosensitizers also fluoresce following absorption of visible light. This fluorescence can be exploited to provide a sensitive technique for delineation of tumours.