Title: Simplified light transport model for irradiation dose calculation of photodynamic therapy

Authors: Gemunu Happawana; Amaranath Premasiri; Arye Rosen

Addresses: Department of Mechanical Engineering, California State University, Fresno, CA 93740, USA ' Akon, Inc., San Jose, CA 95131, USA ' School of Biomedical and Electrical Engineering, Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA

Abstract: A proper combination of photosensitising agent, oxygen, and a specific wavelength of light is necessary for the cytotoxic destruction of cancerous cells by Photodynamic Therapy (PDT). For a light source, semiconductor lasers are suggested for the light delivery system, however packaging of semiconductor lasers for optimal optical power output is challenging. In this paper an optimal design of a semiconductor laser package with De-Ionised (DI) water-cooling system is described and analysed. A microwave antenna is designed to provide local heating of the esophagus, leading to an increase in local oxygenation of the tumor to generate singlet oxygen for cellular death.

Keywords: photodynamic therapy; microwave heating; porous media; light transfer models; irradiation dose calculation; cytotoxic destruction; cancerous cells; cancer treatment; semiconductor lasers; de-ionised water cooling; esophagus; tumor oxygenation; radiation doses.

DOI: 10.1504/IJBET.2012.047369

International Journal of Biomedical Engineering and Technology, 2012 Vol.9 No.1, pp.25 - 44

Published online: 12 Dec 2014 *

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