A recent article appeared on the BBC News website claims that researchers have "greatly improved" the effectiveness of a skin cancer treatment by adding an extra ingredient. Work is currently being carried out at the Peninsula Medical School in Truro, Cornwall.

 

 

Photodynamic therapy involves applying a sensitizer cream to the affected area and then treating with a red light to activate the cancer fighting chemicals.  Scientists have modified the cream by adding an ingredient called CP94.  The research team has confirmed that by adding the CP94 treatment can take place on Basal Cell Carcinomas previously considered too thick for standard photodynamic therapy.

 

 

A member of our medical advisory team confirmed that the research team has done a lot of work with skin cultures and to ensure the safety of the preparation. The preparation is not commercially available but trials are currently underway to assess whether this really is an advance on standard PDT.  We eagerly await feedback and hope to keep you informed.