S. Korean scientists develop cancer treatment using LED

SEOUL, March 19 (Yonhap) -- A group of South Korean scientists have developed a minimally invasive technology to diagnose and treat cancer by using light-emitting diodes (LEDs) and laparoscopy, the state-run institute said Monday.

The Korea Electrotechnology Research Institute (KERI) said it has developed a technology that can target tumor cells and it is in the process of transferring the related knowhow to a local company.

Recently, minimally invasive treatment and diagnostic methods, such as photodynamic therapy (PDT) and laparoscopy, have gained ground as methods that greatly improve the quality of patients' lives.

PDT is a treatment that uses drugs called photosensitizing agents to "activate" certain kinds of light to help facilitate treatment. It is effective since the light only targets cancerous growth and not normal cells.

The technology developed by KERI is a development of the process of using LED light to detect cancer cells,while also utilizing a PDT laser designed to treat cancer based on laparoscopy technology, officials said.

"PDT treatment based on laparoscopy is a next-generation treatment method that can greatly impact the general medical industry," said Bae Su-jin, a researcher at the KERI.

khj@yna.co.kr
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