LED technology could stop spread of cervical cancer

Based on the emerging field of photodynamic therapy (PDT), the new system is able to specifically target the rogue cells that can lead to aggressive cancers – whilst at the same time preserving healthy tissue.

‘The light acts like a switch for the reaction that eventually removes the diseased tissue. We work very closely with the LED manufacturers to ensure we get very specific light sources in terms of the intensity and wavelength,’ said Euan Morrisson, head of advanced optical and lighting technologies at Sagentia, one of the partners.

The current clinical approach for women with early stage cervical cancer is either continued surveillance – since some lesions at this stage naturally regress by themselves – or pre-emptive treatment based on surgery, laser cauterization, or freezing.

The first approach can cause continued anxiety for patients, while the second approach can lead to post-surgical infections and even reduced fertility.

The Cervira system, which is the result of a collaboration between Sagentia and Photocure, hopes to circumvent these issues.