SBIR-STTR Award

Recent advances in semiconductor technology, developed for NASA's long range life support missions, has led to the development of light emitting diode systems capable of high irradiance output equivalent or superior to laser sources being used by researchers today. Development of this more energy efficient light source has coincided with the development of photosensitive dyes used in the treatment of cancer. Application of this innovative lighting technology would be beneficial to the advancement of Photodynamic Therapy (PDT) as a reputable modality for the treatment of primary brain tumors. Although PDT is a fairly recent concept and still in its research phase, it is showing a great deal of promise as a respectable alternative for cancer treatment. An issue of concern however, is that laser light sources used in the early stages of research have proven to be very expensive and highly unreliable. The narrow bandwidth (2-3nm) of the laser source does not take full advantage of the PDT drug's broad band absorption characteristics. An inexpensive highly reliable LED lighting system with a broader bandwidth (allowing for even more photosensitive dye activation) could prove to be a safe, reliable and cost effective alternative to the laser sources.Commercial Applications:Quantum Devices, Inc. has identified several commercial applications for this innovative LED system. The ideal system will have the ability to be used with several of the porphyrin derivative drugs being developed in the market today. Our knowledge in marketing wavelength specific systems provided the inspiration for the initial concept. Research with a rudimentary version of the LED source has provided preliminary data leading researchers to examine the potential for applications beyond primary brain tumor research. QDI will explore market areas where application of the LED source with other light activated drugs could impact the advance of PDT. Primary areas of interest will be tubular cancers, breast cancer, stomach cancer, and surface or skin cancers.

___(NOTE: Note: no official Abstract exists of this Phase II projects. Abstract is modified by idi from relevant Phase I data. The specific Phase II work statement and objectives may differ)___ Recent advances in semiconductor technology, developed for NASA's long range life support missions, has led to the development of light emitting diode systems capable of high irradiance output equivalent or superior to laser sources being used by researchers today. Development of this more energy efficient light source has coincided with the development of photosensitive dyes used in the treatment of cancer. Application of this innovative lighting technology would be beneficial to the advancement of Photodynamic Therapy (PDT) as a reputable modality for the treatment of primary brain tumors. Although PDT is a fairly recent concept and still in its research phase, it is showing a great deal of promise as a respectable alternative for cancer treatment. An issue of concern however, is that laser light sources used in the early stages of research have proven to be very expensive and highly unreliable. The narrow bandwidth (2-3nm) of the laser source does not take full advantage of the PDT drug's broad band absorption characteristics. An inexpensive highly reliable LED lighting system with a broader bandwidth (allowing for even more photosensitive dye activation) could prove to be a safe, reliable and cost effective alternative to the laser sources.Commercial Applications:Quantum Devices, Inc. has identified several commercial applications for this innovative LED system. The ideal system will have the ability to be used with several of the porphyrin derivative drugs being developed in the market today. Our knowledge in marketing wavelength specific systems provided the inspiration for the initial concept. Research with a rudimentary version of the LED source has provided preliminary data leading researchers to examine the potential for applications beyond primary brain tumor research. QDI will explore market areas where application of the LED source with other light activated drugs could impact the advance of PDT. Primary areas of interest will be tubular cancers, breast cancer, stomach cancer, and surface or skin cancers.