Biophotonic technology uses light to detect warning signs of malignancy much earlier than is possible with standard techniques
By KEVIN SPURGAITIS
Cancer researchers and oncologists agree that early detection increases the chance of successful treatment. But while existing technologies such as mammogram and X-ray have made great strides in detection, they don’t always catch changes in cells early enough. Especially difficult to detect are the so-called “silent cancers,” which show no symptoms until later stages, when an entire arsenal of chemotherapy and radiation therapies may be needed.
A growing number of Canadian labs and companies are using light in the detection and treatment of cancer. This emerging sector is called biophotonics, which, put simply, is the application of advanced optical technology to study biological processes.
For example, the Ontario Centres of Excellence (OCE) Inc. and Toronto researcher Dr. Brian Wilson have been working with Vancouver-based Xillix Technologies Corp., a company known for its fluorescence endoscopy system, a biophotonic device that uses light to dust for the fingerprints of malignant cells, allowing physicians to see very small, early-stage cancer and even subtle pre-cancerous lesions. This reduces the number of surgeries and causes minimal trauma to the body, according to Xillix.
Fluorescence endoscopy is still in its toddler stage, but it’s starting to make noise, says Dr. Wilson, a researcher with the University Health Network and professor in the Department of Medical Biophysics at the University of Toronto. He has been at the forefront of research into laser and optical technologies and photodynamic therapy — the use of light-activated drugs called photosensitizers, which kill cancer cells while sparing most normal cells. Data from his research group formed the basis of imaging algorithms used in fluorescence endoscopes.
“There has been a long-term investment in basic research into biophotonics over the last decade. And we’re going to see that investment come to fruition over the next few years,” Dr. Wilson says. “Our work is very promising in that we know that we can, using fluorescence endoscopy, significantly improve the early detection of cancer while it’s still treatable and potentially curable.”
Don Wilford, director of business development at OCE’s Centre for Photonics, says the OCE Commercialization Program addresses the “innovation gap” between valuable research and new products and services. “Our goal is to make links between companies and researchers. It’s to everyone’s advantage.”
Originally published in the Canadian Healthcare Manager, June 2007
