Innovative photodynamic therapy targets melanoma with light-activated dyes
Source: News Medical Life Science, February 2025
Melanoma is one of the most aggressive skin cancers, with over 300,000 new cases reported worldwide each year. In Europe, the number of diagnoses has been rising rapidly. However, early detection and advanced treatments can significantly improve survival rates. Researchers at Kaunas University of Technology (KTU) are contributing to the development of a non-invasive melanoma treatment, using light and special dyes.
Although medicine and light may not seem to have much in common at first sight, light therapy, which combines them, has been used since ancient times. It has been used to treat seasonal depression, skin diseases, muscle and joint pain, and to promote tissue regeneration. This method is rapidly gaining popularity and can even be used to treat certain types of cancer.
By developing new dyes, researchers from KTU Synthetic Organic Chemistry research group, led by Prof. Algirdas Ša?kus, are also contributing to the development of this type of photodynamic therapy which can treat skin cancer.