New Technology Set To Improve Skin Cancer Treatment

Main Category: Cancer / Oncology
Also Included In: Dermatology
Article Date: 11 Sep 2007 - 15:00 PDT

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Researchers at Queen's University in Belfast have demonstrated that needle-free jet injection of an agent used in the treatment of skin cancer significantly increases the amount delivered into skin, compared to the conventional approach of topical application.

The jet injection system, based on a needle-free injector which produces a high velocity liquid jet with sufficient intensity to pierce the skin, could potentially improve the effectiveness of skin cancer treatment.

The research was completed by the University's School of Pharmacy PhD student Desmond Morrow, and presented at the British Pharmaceutical Conference (BPC) in Manchester.

Mr Morrow said: "Photodynamic therapy* is a relatively new form of skin cancer treatment which results in tumour death, however, sometimes its success in individual patients is limited by the poor penetration of the active agent into the tumour. Our research shows that a new way of administering the drug can improve the amount that crosses the skin barrier and gets to the required site."

Mr Morrow and his colleagues found that compared to application with a bioadhesive patch, the jet injector was shown to significantly increase the amount of drug that could be delivered through the skin.

Morrow said: "This technology has the potential to increase the efficacy of photodynamic therapy in skin cancer treatment."

* Photodynamic therapy uses a light (such as a laser) combined with a light-activated drug to kill cancer cells.

The British Pharmaceutical Conference - entitled "The medicines maze: balancing risks and benefits" - takes place from 10th to 12th September, 2007, at Manchester Central (formerly Manchester International Convention Centre). The theme of BPC 2007 is reflected throughout the programme, with keynote speeches and workshops addressing crucial technical and professional issues that are facing pharmacy today. The conference will showcase the latest developments in pharmaceutical science and practice research and include discussion and debate led by expert speakers.

Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain

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