Laser PDT for Infections

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is extensively used to treat some types of cancer, inflammatory conditions and infections. The principle of PDT is to promote absorption of specific chemicals (photosensitizers) into target cells such as cancer cells or infectious agents. Light of specific wavelengths are then used to activate the photosensitizer to kill the cells which have absorbed it. The advantage of PDT is that it acts like a “silver bullet”: it demolishes its target but has very little impact on the surrounding normal cells so its very well tolerated with little or no side effects.

Laser PDT for Infection

PDT can be used to treat not only bacterial infections including multi-resistant bacteria but fungal, viral and parasitic infections as well. This is called anti-microbial PDT or aPDT.

PDT targets bacteria PLUS other types of infections!

PDT targets bacteria PLUS other types of infections!

Viral Infections

Lab based studies have shown dramatic reductions in viral titers in response to PDT.

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Human studies on viral aPDT have also produced encouraging results, mainly using intravenous photosensitizers coupled with intravenous laser therapy. However Dr. Ailioaie of Romania carried out a pilot study using an oral curcumin supplement UltraCur Pro+ given 30 minutes before laser IV PDT for hepatitis B and C. A dramatic reduction in viral titres were observed.

Dramatic reduction in viral load following laser PDT

Dramatic reduction in viral load following laser PDT

 

Parasitic Infections

A pilot study carried out in Nigeria by Weber Medical showed significant effectiveness using IV laser and Riboflavin against malaria. This study compared 20 subjects treated with IV laser and IV riboflavin with 10 subjects treated with standard antimalarials. After 9 days, test assays showed 88.9% of the IV laser PDT subjects were completely parasite-free compared to 50% of the group on standard therapy. Symptoms such as headache, fever chills and profuse sweating were eradicated far more rapidly in the IV laser PDT group.

Fungal Infections

Nail fungus of the toe nails is a very stubborn condition requiring at least 3-6 months of oral therapy and even then has a very low response rate. The Skin Centre, our partner practice has achieved significant clearance of nail fungus infections using sub-lingual laser PDT alone or combined with high powered laser.

Follow up photos were taken FIVE MONTHS after treatment was completed. This demonstrates that the fungus was was not just inhibited, but was fully eradicated by the treatment.

Follow up photos were taken FIVE MONTHS after treatment was completed. This demonstrates that the fungus was was not just inhibited, but was fully eradicated by the treatment.

Laser PDT at Luminnova Health

Oral photosensitizers are far more practical for “every day use” for infections such the common cold, influenza, fungal and bacterial infections. They can also be used to target stubborn acne, psoriasis and many other inflammatory conditions. 

We currently offer laser PDT treatments using oral photosensitizers in conjunction with highly beneficial supplements which also happen to act as photosensitizers. These treatments are most effectively carried out with our in-office sub-lingual lasers which are gentle and safe but effective.

Although, not as powerful as the sub-lingual device, having the laser watch on hand is ideal for targeting colds and flu. You can use it whenever you need to, even when traveling.

In our experience we have seen rapid relief of cold and flu symptoms with the laser watch or sub-lingual laser (the more powerful option). The key factor is to treat immediately - at the outset of symptoms.

Supplements Used for Laser aPDT

We now offer three oral photosensitizers exclusively at The Skin Centre. We have had a lot of success with using the Weber Medical supplements (PhotoActive+ and UltraCur Pro+) for laser aPDT and therefore highly recommend them for this application.

These supplements have HUGE health benefits in their own right (see PhotoActive+ and curcumin articles), but their applications are significantly expanded with PDT. 

  • PhotoActive+ based on the healthy supplement chlorophyll and is activated by both wavelengths of our powerful sublingual laser which offers the exact wavelengths required (658nm red laser and 405nm blue wavelengths). It can also be activated by the red wavelengths of the laser watch.

  • Curcumin Ultra and UltraCur Pro+ are activated by the blue 450nm output of the laser watch. As an exciting new development we have recently introduced a sublingual laser with a 450nm output to activate curcumin as well.

CLICK HERE for information on Laser PDT for Cancer.