Plaster cure for cancer

Researchers at the University of St Andrews and Ninewells Hospital, Dundee have developed a new light-emitting “sticking plaster” for use in the treatment of skin cancer.

The new device, which builds on photodynamic therapy, reduces pain. Its developers claim it also has potential to be used by patients in their own home.

The breakthrough, a portable lightweight light source powered by a pocket-sized battery, is the idea of St Andrews’ physicist Professor Ifor Samuel, and dermatology consultant Professor James Ferguson, head of the photobiology unit at Ninewells Hospital Dundee.

The pair teamed up four years ago to combine their expertise in photo-physics and photodynamic therapy to create a new way of treating skin cancer. The result is a “light bandage” that contains its own light source and is so portable that patients can go about their daily business while under treatment.

Professor Samuel said: ‘By adapting the latest technology to an existing treatment method, we have developed a compact light source for treating common skin cancers. It can be worn by the patient in a similar way to a sticking plaster, while the battery is carried like an iPod.’