22 - Advances in Lasers and Nanoparticles in Treatment and Targeting of Epithelial Originated Cancers

Abstract

The purpose of this chapter is to discuss the application of lasers and metal nanoparticles for the treatment of cancers with epithelial origin. The combination of laser therapy and nanoparticles in cancer treatment includes four major sections: (1) cancer, (2) principles of nanotechnology, (3) principles of laser, and (4) combination of laser and nanoparticles for treatment of cancers with epithelial origin. Disadvantages of lasers and nanoparticles combined therapy include high cost and difficulty of finding identical particles. Besides, it requires complicated and advanced technology, which may not be easily obtained. It can be concluded that laser and nanoparticles together are novel classes of cancer therapy and diagnosis. More studies should be done to rule out the most effective nanoparticles and laser wavelength. Also, more animal studies and clinical trials need to be done, as there has always been a lack of perfect studies in field. These methods and mechanisms can be used as a treatment modality to aid in the cure of cancers in the future.