Biophotonics '09: Overview lecture by Prof. Sune Svanberg

Lasers and spectroscopy in medicine

Professor Sune Svanberg

Lund University
Atomic Physics Division
P.O. Box 118,
SE-221 00 Lund, Sweden

Lund Laser Centre
Lund University
P.O. Box 118,
SE-221 00 Lund, Sweden

Tel.: +46 (0)46 222 76 50
Fax: +46 (0)46 222 42 50
E-mail: sune.svanberg@fysik.lth.se
Web: http://www-atom.fysik.lth.se/ 
Web: http://www-llc.fysik.lth.se/

Abstract

An overview of medical diagnostics and treatment based on optics and spectroscopy will be given, with an emphasis on areas within the own experience of the presenter. Medically relevant lasers will be briefly introduced with focus on those which have diagnostic potential. Laser-induced fluorescence, Raman and elastic scattering spectroscopy provide new possibilities for medical diagnostics, both in point monitoring as well as in imaging. Early malignant tumours can be detected utilizing the natural fluorescence from endogenous chromophores, and the specific fluorescence from tumour-seeking agents and molecular markers. Cardiovascular disorders can also be studied by fluorescence and Raman techniques, possibly guiding laser-ablation therapy of atherosclerotic vessels. Optical mammography employing gated-viewing techniques may provide a means for early tumour detection without employing ionizing radiation. Generally speaking, time-resolved spectroscopy provides many possibilities for characteristics of tissues as well as pharmaceutical preparations, and several examples will be given. Recently, it has become possible to monitor gas in situ in body cavities, and a new technique for sinusitis diagnostics will be discussed.

Using laser radiation in combination with tumour-seeking agents, it is possible to eradicated malignant tumours using photodynamic therapy. Experience from skin tumour treatment, and from emerging applications of interstitial treatment of deep-lying lesions employing spectroscopic control, will be shared.

Link to program

• Overview lecture

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