Detection and treatment of diseases using light

Abstract

Fluorescence light is a natural phenomenon that has been employed recently in medical imaging and therapy. The implication of this technology in clinical studies is largely dependent on the chemical design of organic dyes or photosensitizers. The novel design and application of the probes is the subject of this discussion. In the past decade, significant improvements have yielded innovative dyes for in vivo imaging of numerous diseases in a mouse model while improvements in distribution enable photosensitizers to be used in photodynamic therapy. © Springer-Verlag 2010.