Photodynamic Therapy

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) involves the light-mediated activation of otherwise inert molecules, and is a platform technology with a range of medical applications, from the treatment of various cancers to wound healing. As photoactivation causes acute cytotoxicity to a localized area, PDT allows for the specific targeting of the therapeutic intervention, unlike traditional systemic drug treatments. PDT is also ideally suited to the treatment of conditions that have developed resistance to conventional therapies. The Wellman Center is one of the leading research centers in the development of PDT as a treatment modality for numerous pathologies.

Michael Hamblin
PDT for cancer, localized infections and heart disease is the chief focus of Dr. Hamblin’s laboratory.

Tayyaba Hasan
PDT is being investigated in our laboratory to unravel molecular and biophysical processes and to improve its clinical application in numerous diseases, including cancers, microbial infections, and skin diseases. We are particularly interested in understanding PDT mechanisms and in developing new mechanism-based PDT-combination therapies that enhance the treatment outcome of PDT, in terms of better disease management and the reduction of long-term side effects.  In collaboration with Drs. Brett Bouma, Gary Tearney, and Brian Pogue, imaging technologies are being incorporated to further enhance PDT treatment outcomes.

Irene Kochevar

Norman Nishioka

Robert Redmond