Improving Topical Skin Cancer Therapy by Local Increased Oxygenation

Sebastian Björklund – Professor, Malmö Universitet, Biofilms Research Centre for Biointerfaces; Adam Clauss – PhD, Adjunct associate professor, Clauss Science Support, Malmö University; Sanja Bulut – PhD, Project Manager & Product Developer, Bioglan AB; Mogens Larsen Andersen – Professor, Copenhagen University; Tautgirdas Ruzgas – Professor, Malmö Universitet, Biofilms Research Centre for Biointerfaces; Chris Anderson – Professor Emeritus, Linköping University; Johan Engblom – Professor, Malmö Universitet, Biofilms Research Centre for Biointerfaces

Introduction: Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is a non-invasive therapy suitable for Basal Cell Carcinoma, the most common cancer type world-wide [1]. PDT is based on the combination of a photosensitizer, O_2, and light, which together generate reactive oxygen species (ROS) that elicit a cytotoxic response and tumour clearance [2, 3]. As of today, PDT is less effective than other types of clinically used treatment modalities. The aim of the current study was to increase local O₂ levels in skin to overcome inherent challenges of PDT such as hypoxia ad thereby enhance therapy efficacy.