Team:Penn/LightActivatedOverview
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Even when diseases are clearly localized in specific areas and specific cells (such as cancer), current therapies such as chemotherapy attack the entire body and result in significant adverse effects. Patients who undergo chemotherapy suffer significant damage to fast-dividing cells throughout the entire body, which can result in immune system depression, hair loss, pain, and organ damage. | Even when diseases are clearly localized in specific areas and specific cells (such as cancer), current therapies such as chemotherapy attack the entire body and result in significant adverse effects. Patients who undergo chemotherapy suffer significant damage to fast-dividing cells throughout the entire body, which can result in immune system depression, hair loss, pain, and organ damage. | ||
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Revision as of 12:04, 26 October 2012
Light-Activated Gene Expression
Problems With Current Targeted Therapies
Current therapies generally rely on either spatial targeting (targeting within a physical area) or cellular targeting (targeting to a specific antigen or biomarker).
Spatial Targeting: Surgeons excise a tumor manually, without regard for cellular heterogeneity within and around the tumor area. |
Cellular Targeting: Monoclonal antibodies identify antigens on certain cells or viruses. Monoclonal antibodies are often coupled with therapeutic agents. However, if the antigen is present in healthy tissue outside the diseased area, it will be targeted as well. |