INTERmedic’s laser technology for photodynamic therapy against prostate cancer at the BBC

British TV network BBC News has echoed the existence of a new technology for minimally invasive treatment of prostate cancer: Photodynamic Laser Therapy (PDT).

One in eight men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer in the next few years. This new therapy, resulting from the collaboration of the companies Steba and INTERmedic, can help many of them to overcome the disease without neither surgery nor the side effects of conventional treatments.

A photosensitive drug and laser light

Photodynamic therapy consists of administering directly to the tumor a photosensitive drug, extracted from bacteria from the ocean floor, that is activated by laser light, delivered through an optical fiber inserted into the prostate. When irradiated with INTERmedic’s laser technology, the drug is activated and destroys cancer cells.

No side effects like impotence or incontinence

Photodynamic therapy is indicated in the early stages of prostate cancer. The first patients successfully treated with this new technology, have not needed surgery, radiotherapy or chemotherapy, which may cause side effects such as impotence and urinary incontinence.

High cure rate

The results recorded in clinical studies with patients are very positive. After two years, one in two patients treated with photodynamic therapy were completely clear of prostate cancer without suffering incontinence or sexual difficulties, compared to one in 7 patients cured by conventional treatment (surgery, radiotherapy, chemotherapy).

Following the excellent results achieved, photodynamic therapy is presented as a very powerful tool that makes the difference in the treatment of prostate cancer. This treatment is pending the next approval by the European sanitary authorities.

Watch the full BBC video below: