The treatment pairs photodynamic therapy — a technique that uses light to activate cancer-killing compounds — with a novel nanoparticle drug developed by Joe Huang, an associate professor in the Fischell Department of Bioengineering at the University of Maryland.
Researchers observed that the nanoformulation of verteporfin, known as NanoVP, significantly increases both potency and tumor penetration compared to currently approved photosensitizers in preclinical studies. Its unique ability: It crosses the blood-brain barrier.
“Industry partner Modulight Corporation provides the specialized laser systems. The company is currently running a human clinical trial of similar photodynamic therapy technology in Germany.“