ICG Photodynamic Therapy (ICG Liposome)
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This article is a summary of international medical information and is not medical advice; it cannot replace the diagnosis or treatment plan of your attending physician. The medical technologies, drug information and clinical data presented here are compiled from public literature and official statements of major Japanese medical institutions; the applicability and outcome of any therapy vary with each patient and must be assessed individually by a qualified physician.
Photodynamic Therapy (PDT) is an ablation method that combines a "photosensitizer" with a "specific wavelength laser." ICG Liposome (Indocyanine Green Liposome) therapy represents an advancement in this field, utilizing the high penetration and safety of Near-Infrared (NIR) light to provide new options for superficial and intravascular cancers.
How It Works: The Precision Time Bomb
- Drug Accumulation: The patient is first injected with a photosensitive compound containing ICG. These compounds are encapsulated in liposomes, which preferentially accumulate in tumor tissues via the blood circulation.
- Light Activation: The next day, the target area is irradiated with a specific frequency of near-infrared light. Upon absorbing the energy, the ICG triggers a chemical reaction that releases reactive oxygen species or thermal energy, directly destroying the cancer cell membranes.
- Abscopal Effect: Antigens released from the destroyed cancer cells alert surrounding immune cells. Once the immune system "remembers" these antigen characteristics, it can begin to attack tiny metastatic lesions elsewhere in the body.
Irradiation Methods and Safety
- Extracorporeal: For superficial tumors, NIR light can penetrate the skin up to 20mm–25mm deep.
- Intravascular: Using the MLDS system, special optical fibers are inserted into veins or interstitial spaces to stimulate an immune response throughout the circulation.
- High Safety: NIR light is similar in nature to the light used in television remotes and is harmless to the body, unlike traditional radiation which can cause tissue burning or fibrosis.
Medical Institution: Tenjin Center, Fukuoka
This therapy is administered at the Tenjin Center in central Fukuoka. The clinic features professional preparation rooms and high-privacy treatment spaces for personalized medical care.
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