The complexity of the human brain and the number of areas where a tumour could develop, make all forms of treatment difficult. Chemotherapy and radiotherapy both have their limitations.

Where PDT has a unique role is through the precise targeting of the light. As you will read elsewhere, the PDT procedure only ‘works’ where the drug and light combine. The light delivery mechanisms can target an incredibly precise area. And because DT does not generate or involve damaging levels of heat, there is no destruction of the connective tissue, and areas where PDT kills cells, new and healthy cells can regenerate after PDT.

It is this charity’s intention to fund new PDT in the treatment of brain tumours. There are brilliant teams at Ninewells Hospital in Dundee and at the Institute of Neurology in London who need urgent funding. There are also teams in the USA.

A number of brain tumour patients have already been treated around the world, and each has gained some palliative benefits, while a small percentage have made a full recovery.

In starting a new, fully funded trial, the proposal is to fully understand the way that the light activation process can be limited to the tumour area. It is clearly important that healthy brain tissue is not damaged, while the procedure must also destroy the entire tumour.

At the time of writing, the PDT drug that might be used is Foscan from Biolitec.

These new trials will be conducted jointly in the UK, Europe and North America.

News about the start date for the trials will be published on this website.

There is a case study on this website.

If you would like to make contact with the research team undertaking brain tumour now, please email Carol Goodman, Clinical Nurse Specialist/Unit Coordinator, Scottish Photodynamic Therapy Centre, Photobiology Unit, Ninewells Hospital and Medical School, Dundee DD1 9SY. Email: cgoodman@nhs.net