Journal of Undergraduate Research
Keywords
photodynamic therapy, ICK, Ichthyophthirus Multifilis, fish disease
College
Physical and Mathematical Sciences
Department
Chemistry and Biochemistry
Abstract
Photodynamic Therapy (PDT) is a new technique currently used to treat malignant cancer tumors in humans. This treatment uses the principles of light in a manner similar to types of radiation therapy. In PDT a photosensitizing dye is injected intraveneously diffusing to all cells. Tumor cell absorption of the dye is targeted by tailoring chemical properties of the photosensitizer, concentrating it in the tumor. The sensitizers absorb light energy, producing an excited singlet oxygen that readily reacts with double bonds and oxidizes adjacent molecules. PDT is very effective because the extremely reactive singlet oxygen travels only a short distance before it destroys neighboring molecules. If optimized, it can be lethal to a target tissue while not doing any permanent damage to surrounding normal tissue.
Recommended Citation
Davis, Spencer C. and Thorne, Dr. James
(2014)
"Photodynamic Therapy as a Cure for ICK,"
Journal of Undergraduate Research: Vol. 2014:
Iss.
1, Article 1098.
Available at:
https://scholarsarchive.byu.edu/jur/vol2014/iss1/1098