spd news

 

Commercial LEDs For Cancer Treatment Illuminated by Optical Magazine

For more information
email us at:
spd@msfc.nasa.gov

scientist observing LED probe February 25, 1999 Huntsville, AL - Commercial LEDs For Cancer Treatment Illuminated by Optical Magazine - The use of improved LEDs in treating cancer was the topic in a recent issue of Optical Engineering magazine, produced by the International Society for Optical Engineering.

The improved LEDs were developed by Quantum Devices, Inc., for use in the ASTROCULTURE(TM) commercial plant growth research facility developed by the Wisconsin Center for Space Automation and Robotics, a NASA Commercial Space Center. Dr. Harry Whelan of the Medical College of Wisconsin is using a special probe developed using the LEDs in photodyanmic therapy -- the use of light to activate chemicals that destroy tumors.

The LED probe has several important advantages over laser light sources and has proven to be very effective in ongoing clinical testing. Other potential medical uses have also been identified, including speeding the healing of wounds.

More Information