This finding led to a large multi-center study of this work. UPCI is one of a handful of institutions with extensive experience using photodynamic therapy, or PDT, to treat and potentially cure early-stage lung cancers and esophageal cancers. During PDT, patient tissues are first exposed to a photosensitizing agent, which is absorbed only by tumor cells. A red laser is used to target and destroy the marked tumor cells. The LIFE bronchoscope is being used in patients who were treated for lung cancer but who are at risk of recurrence, as well as in individuals at high risk of lung cancer, such as those with emphysema.
Vitamin D plays an important role in the growth of the normal prostate, independent of androgens.
Vitamin K causes liver cancer cells to die by a unique biochemical pathway. UPCI's development of normal breast tissue cell cultures has allowed scientists to better investigate the ways breast cells change as they become cancerous and what markers indicate such a transformation. The discovery of protein markers for human prostate and bladder cancers by UPCI researchers will allow clinicians to detect these cancers earlier, possibly improving patient survival. Two proteins found in head and neck cancers correlate closely with the prognosis of head and neck cancer and may significantly alter the detection, diagnosis, staging and treatment of this disease. By successfully inserting genes that protect the lungs of animals from radiation damage, UPCI scientists hope soon to improve the delivery of radiation therapy to patients.