Photodynamic Therapy: From Theory to Application brings attention to an exceptional treatment strategy, which until now has not achieved the recognition and breadth of applications it deserves. The authors, all experts and pioneers in their field, discuss the history and basic principles of PDT, as well as the fundamentals of the theory, methods, and instrumentation of clinical diagnosis and treatment of cancer. Non-oncological applications such as the use of PDT in control of parasites and noxious insects are also discussed. This book serves as a standard reference for researchers and students at all levels, clinical specialists interested in the topic and those in industry exploring new areas for development. A comprehensive exposition of both the theory and application of PDT, this book fills the gaps in the current literature by bringing together both basic understanding of the process of PDT and an expanded vision of its applications.

Editor:

Mahmoud H. Abdel Kader
Professor of Photochemistry
President of the German University in Cairo

Mahmoud Abdel-Kader, Ph.D, professor of photochemistry, Cairo University. He is currently the president of the German University in Cairo, since 2002, on leave from his last position as vice dean of the National Institute of Laser Enhanced Sciences (NILES), Cairo University. He received his Ph.D. (Dr. rer. nat.) in Spectroscopy and Photochemistry from Stuttgart University in 1979. He got a post doctoral position at the Institute of Physical Chemistry, University of Karlsruhe, West Germany from 1982-1983. He held the position of Visiting Professor at the Laser Dynamic Center, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, USA and the Institute fuer Laser Technology in der Medizin and Messtechnik, Univ. Ulm. Prof. Abdel-Kader's research interests include: Laser Spectroscopy to study the Kinetics and mechanism of Ultrafast Chemical Reactions (Photochemical Isomerization, Protolytic Reactions and Electron Transfer Processes), Utilization of Solar Energy in Photochemical Conversions for Malaria, Filaria and Dengue Fever Vector control and other Parasites using environmentally friendly (natural extract) Photosensitizers, and Application of Nanoparticles in Photodynamic Diagnosis and Therapy of Cancer.

Foreword Author:

Tayyaba Hasan, PhD
Professor of Dermatology
Health Sciences and Technology (Harvard-MIT)
Harvard Medical School
Massachusetts General Hospital

Wellman Center for Photomedicine
Tayyaba Hasan, PhD, is a Professor of Dermatology at Harvard Medical School (HMS) and a Professor of Health Sciences and Technology (Harvard-MIT). She is based at the Wellman Center for Photomedicine. Dr. Hasan received her Ph.D. in Organic Chemistry from the University of Arkansas followed by postdoctoral training in Biochemistry at the University of Pennsylvania after which she joined the Harvard Medical School, Massachusetts General Hospital in 1982 as a Research Scientist. Dr. Hasan's research is is directed to basic and translational studies in photochemistry, photobiology and photodynamic therapy. The major research theme of the group is Mechanisms and Image Guided Optimization of Photodynamic Therapy. More broadly the research program includes investigations in microbiology, infectious diseases, arthritis and cardiovascular pathologies.