Diagnostics and treatment of human malignant tumours using laser based techniques

Laser-induced fluorescence is a technique for optical tissue characterisation. It has a real-time capability and as the excitation light and the fluorescence emission are transmitted through optical fibres the technique is compatible to various kinds of endoscopes for hollow organ investigation. The tissue fluorescence itself with the emission from the endogenous chromophores or enhanced with exogenously administered tumour seeking agents are employed. Contrast functions are beeing developed for optimal tumour demarcation. Photodynamic therapy is a selective therapy for certain types of malignancies. In particular the topical application of a sensitising agent has been employed for human skin malignancies. Clinical examples are both from the detection and the treatment side