Cancer photoimmunotherapy
What is photoimmunotherapy?
Photoimmunotherapy is also known as the "fifth treatment" following surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and immunotherapy, and is attracting attention as a new cancer treatment method . Photoimmunotherapy is a treatment method in which a drug that attaches only to cancer cells is administered and then irradiated with laser light, causing the drug to react to the light and destroy the cancer cells. It is characterized by having few side effects because it attacks only cancer cells without damaging normal cells .
Cancer treatment with fewer side effects
Compatible with almost all types of cancer throughout the body
Treatment possible while continuing your normal life
Terminal cancer, recurrent cancer, and metastatic cancer are also eligible for treatment
Can be used in combination with standard treatment
Also supports endovascular treatment (CTC treatment)
Mechanism of photoimmunotherapy
1
A substance that reacts to specific light (photosensitizer) that attaches only to cancer cells is administered intravenously.
2
The drug attaches to the cancer cells in about a day.
A specific light that reacts to this drug is irradiated.
3
When cancer cells absorb the light, they are destroyed.
4
Cancer cells release substances (antigens) specific to cancer, activating the immune system against those same cancer cells.
→Attacks cancer cells throughout the body
Cancer photoimmunotherapy is a treatment with two actions: first, it irradiates cancer cells in various parts of the body with laser light to directly destroy the tumors , and second, it indirectly attacks cancer cells that have subsequently spread throughout the body using immune cells .
Direct laser beam attack
Destroys local cancer cells
Indirect attack by immune cells
Destroys cancer cells throughout the body
Patient concerns received at our clinic
Please feel free to consult our clinic.
● I want to receive cancer treatment with fewer side effects .
● Want to improve treatment outcomes by combining with standard treatment
● Looking for effective treatments for terminal cancer and intractable cancer
● Looking for treatment that is safe for the elderly and less stressful on the body
● There is no standard treatment/there is a situation where it is not possible, and you are looking for other treatments.
● I want to receive treatment for metastatic cancer .
● I want treatment to prevent recurrence
Target cancer types
Photoimmunotherapy is applicable to almost all types of cancer (solid cancer).
We also offer treatment suggestions for stages I to IV, recurrent cancer, metastatic cancer, and cancer prevention.
*Not suitable for blood cancer.
● Brain tumors
● Head and neck cancer
● Salivary gland cancer
● Thyroid cancer
● Lung cancer
● Small cell lung cancer
● Breast cancer
● Mesothelioma
● Pancreatic cancer
● Liver cancer
● Biliary tract cancer
● Esophageal cancer
● Stomach cancer
● GIST
● Small intestine cancer
● Colon cancer
● Kidney cancer
● Renal pelvis and ureter cancer
● Bladder cancer
● Prostate cancer
● Cervical cancer
● Ovarian cancer
● Uterine sarcoma
● Skin cancer
● Melanoma
● Sarcoma
● Cancer of unknown primary origin
Characteristics of photoimmunotherapy
Cancer treatment with fewer side effects
Photoimmunotherapy is a treatment that selectively destroys cancer cells, minimizing the impact on normal cells and resulting in extremely few post-treatment side effects. It is also a treatment chosen by elderly people and those looking for treatment with fewer side effects. Photoimmunotherapy can be administered to anyone, regardless of age or stage of cancer.
Terminal cancer, recurrent cancer, and metastatic cancer are also eligible for treatment
Cancer photoimmunotherapy is not just a local attack using laser light.
Cancer cells destroyed by laser light release antibodies (cancer markers) to the cancer cells. When immune cells take up the released antigens, it is expected that the immune cells will be able to strengthen their attack on cancer cells remaining in the body . Photoimmunotherapy is expected to not only destroy cancer cells in the treated area, but also shrink and eliminate cancer cells in other parts of the body .
Compatible with almost all types of cancer throughout the body
Photoimmunotherapy is applicable to almost all types of cancer (solid cancer) .
It can be used to treat many types of cancer, including pancreatic cancer, which is generally considered difficult to treat, as well as lung cancer, colon cancer, and breast cancer.
Can be used in combination with standard treatment
Photoimmunotherapy does not interfere with the therapeutic effects of standard treatments (surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation).
By using them together, various synergistic effects can be expected, such as preventing the metastasis of invisible cancer cells that could not be completely removed, and attacking drug-resistant cancer cells .
surgery
radiation
anticancer drugs
Photoimmunotherapy
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Treatment possible while continuing your normal lifestyle
Photoimmunotherapy is an outpatient treatment.
You can fight cancer without having to be hospitalized or take time off work, and while maintaining your quality of life (QOL).
Endovascular treatment (CTC treatment)
Our hospital also provides endovascular treatment (CTC treatment). CTC treatment is a treatment that targets the phenomenon of cancer cells circulating in the blood. It is expected to be effective in suppressing cancer metastasis and recurrence .
What are circulating cancer cells (CTCs) and circulating cancer stem cells (CSCs)?
When cancer cells grow to a certain size, they invade the bloodstream in search of nutrients and oxygen.
These cancer cells are called circulating cancer cells (CTCs), and may also release circulating cancer stem cells (CSCs).
These cells can travel through the body through the bloodstream and become the source of new cancers.
Mechanism of CTC treatment
The photosensitizer is administered intravenously and binds to CTCs and CSCs.
A specific wavelength of laser light is then applied, causing the photosensitive material to react and destroy the cancer cells.
Approaches tailored to the state of cancer are possible
At our clinic, we can select the wavelength of laser, near-infrared light, or ultrasound, or use them in combination, depending on the patient's condition and type of cancer. We also use different devices depending on the patient's condition , such as intradermal irradiation, intravascular irradiation, and external point or area irradiation. By using near-infrared light and ultrasound, we can also treat deep-seated cancers that are difficult for light to reach.
Super Riser EX
The Super Laser is Japan's first phototherapy device that delivers high-power, spot-like irradiation of near-infrared light, the wavelength band with the deepest biological penetration. It uses a high-precision LED as its light source, enabling the amount of light received by the body to be approximately five times greater than conventional devices. Furthermore, by cutting out wavelengths above 1000 nm, it is possible to irradiate only wavelengths with excellent biological penetration.
*In actual treatment, light is irradiated from bare skin.
MLDS (Multi Laser Delivery System)
This laser device is capable of low-power irradiation of less than 100 milliwatts. MLDS is the world's first approved system for intravenous, interstitial, and intraarticular photodynamic therapy (PDT). It can use six colors of light (ultraviolet, blue, green, yellow, red, and near-infrared) and can be used to irradiate interstitial (intracutaneous), intravascular, and intraarticular areas.
MLDS is recognized as an EU (CE marking) and FDA approved medical device and is used in 30 countries around the world.
Sonicizer
Ultrasound can reach deeper than light, so it can approach deep-seated cancers (lung cancer, prostate cancer, liver cancer, pancreatic cancer, etc.).
Photosensitizers used in our clinic
To enhance the effectiveness of photoimmunotherapy, different photosensitizers are used depending on the condition of the cancer.
ICG liposome
ICG liposomes are liposomes incorporating the photosensitive substance indocyanine green (ICG). ICG absorbs light of a specific wavelength and generates heat and singlet oxygen, destroying cancer cells and new blood vessels.
Because the method uses stealth liposomes made using special technology, it is possible to deliver the photosensitive substance to cancer cells without being ingested by the immune system, making it more effective than conventional liposomes.
Talaporfin Liposome
Talaporfin liposomes are liposomes incorporating the photosensitive substance talaporfin. Talaporfin absorbs light of a specific wavelength and generates singlet oxygen, destroying cancer cells and new blood vessels. Compared to ICG liposomes, they have 10 times stronger antitumor effects .
Photoimmunotherapy side effects
Photoimmunotherapy treatment is a minimally invasive treatment.
However, in rare cases, the following side effects may occur:
● Symptoms such as burns may occur.
● When administering ICG, Talaporfin, IR783, etc. intravenously, there is a rare possibility of complications such as subcutaneous hematoma and nerve damage. After treatment, chills and shivers may occur.
● Photosensitivity, iodine sensitivity *After photoimmunotherapy, you should avoid strong sunlight and strong indoor lighting.
Photoimmunotherapy Frequently Asked Questions
Q. I am receiving standard treatment at another hospital. Can I receive photoimmunotherapy?
Yes, you can. Photoimmunotherapy can be used in combination with standard treatment.
By combining this with standard treatment, we can expect a synergistic effect. Please rest assured that we will schedule your photoimmunotherapy treatment while checking your current treatment schedule at the hospital where you are currently receiving treatment.
Q. Is there anything I need to bring when I visit the hospital?
If possible, please bring the following three documents with you: CT or MRI, CT image data (CD-ROM), blood test results, and medication record.
If it is difficult to obtain image data, please rest assured that images can be taken at our affiliated medical institutions.
Q. How long does photoimmunotherapy take?
Photoimmunotherapy is an outpatient treatment that takes two days per treatment (no hospitalization is required).
On the first day, medication will be administered (for about 30 minutes), and on the second day, laser light will be applied (for about 15 minutes).
*The length of time patients stay at the clinic may vary depending on their condition and cancer status.
Q. Is photoimmunotherapy effective for metastatic cancer?
Photoimmunotherapy can acquire new immunity against the treated cancer cells. By circulating these immune cells capable of eliminating cancer cells throughout the body, it is expected that the treatment will be effective even against metastatic cancer in distant locations.
Q. Are there any side effects like those of anti-cancer drugs?
Anticancer drugs attack not only cancer cells but also normal cells, which can cause side effects such as hair loss and nausea. On the other hand, photoimmunotherapy is a treatment that attacks only cancer cells, so it has very few post-treatment side effects. Please see here for possible side effects of photoimmunotherapy.
Photoimmunotherapy process
2. Informed consent
The doctor will fully explain the purpose of the treatment to the patient.
Please feel free to contact us with any questions you may have.
3. Treatment explanation and schedule determination
We will provide you with an explanation of the purpose and method of treatment, its effects and side effects, and whether you can stop treatment midway, as well as information on the consent form.
Please fill out and sign only if you understand and agree to the terms and conditions.
4. Payment of Fees
Advance payment is required.
Please make payment by bank transfer or cash by the day before your treatment.
For more details, please refer to the Treatment Details.
5. Photosensitizer administration (Day 1 of treatment)
The photosensitizer will be administered intravenously over a period of approximately 30 minutes.
Since it takes time to administer the photosensitizing substance and then irradiate the laser light, the first day will be completed with only the administration of the photosensitizing substance.
6. Laser light irradiation (2nd day of treatment)
The laser light is applied the day after the photosensitizer is administered.
The laser treatment lasts for about 15 minutes.
After that, you will be asked to rest for a while and then, at the doctor's discretion, you will be allowed to go home on the same day.
7. Evaluation of treatment efficacy
After completing one course of treatment, the effectiveness of the treatment will be evaluated.
Based on the results, we will explain the future treatment plan.
Cost (free medical treatment)
1 session: 330,000 to 660,000 yen (tax included)
Private medical treatment using unapproved drugs, etc.
● Clear indication that the drug is an unapproved drug, etc., and clear indication of the acquisition route, etc.
The microwave irradiation device used in this treatment has not been approved under the Pharmaceutical and Medical Device Act. In Japan, unapproved medical devices can be used at the doctor's own risk.
● Availability of domestically approved drugs, etc.
Currently, there are no other drugs approved in Japan that have the same properties as those used in this treatment.
● Information on safety in other countries
The laser device (MLDS) used in this treatment is CE marked in Europe and Health Canada (Canadian FDA) certified in Canada.
USA: We have obtained medical device licenses from the US-FDA (external laser treatment, intravenous use is off-label), etc.