Exploring Novel Technology to
Treat Glioma using 1267nm Light:
Direct Light Therapy
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Important Context:
The GlioLight project is funded under the European Union’s Horizon Europe EIC Pathfinder programme, grant agreement number 101129705
UK participants are funded by UKRI, grant number 10110169.
The EIC Pathfinder Programme funds very early stage research with great potential, but simultaneously a high degree of technical risk and challenge. Be aware that regardless of the future potential of DLT technology, and however positive the results of the GlioLight project, treatment based on DLT is far from clinically-ready, and will not be available to patients for many years to come.
ABOUT THE PROJECT
Glioma is an extremely lethal cancer due largely to the inaccessible nature of the brain and the diffusion of cells from the tumour site. Diffused glioma cells are usually too deeply embedded in the brain to safely remove by current means.
Targeted Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) generation is a promising treatment option for selectively eliminating glioma, including diffuse cells. However, the only current method of targeted ROS generation is photodynamic therapy (PDT), which uses expensive and potentially toxic photosensitizers (PS) that are ineffective against distant diffused cells and have numerous treatment limitations.
GlioLightT proposes Direct Light Therapy (DLT) as a novel method of generating targeted ROS. DLT uses light at 1267nm to stimulate cells to directly produce ROS.
The removal of PS would transform glioma treatment, allowing novel treatment modalities to vastly improve efficacy and provide earlier intervention options, all at a lower cost and complexity.
While the underlying principles of DLT have been demonstrated, little is known about how DLT achieves its anti-cancer effects, or the extent of its therapeutic benefits. GlioLightT will investigate DLT technology independently and in comparison to PDT, drawing on decades of accumulated PDT knowledge and technological development. The effect of DLT on glioma and the brain, with a focus on immunogenicity, will be investigated to determine DLT efficacy, safety, and mechanisms of action.
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(a potent ROS species) generation in
astrocytes following continuous wave (CW) DLT (top two images), and suppression of glioma growth in rat brain using CW-DLT (bottom images).
Novel ultrashort pulse (USP) light sources will be developed to maximise optical penetration while minimising safety risks, ensuring that DLT is appropriate for clinical use.
Finally, the development of the preclinical GlioLightT delivery and sensing system (pcGlio-DSS), which is ready for the next stages of clinical translation, will bring DLT one step closer to significantly improving glioma treatment in Europe and worldwide.
Project Objectives
- Develop and characterise USP-DLT source technology to minimise thermal effects and maximise penetration depth delivered by DLT.
- Understand the mechanisms of action and effects of DLT on glioma and the brain.
- Develop and test a combined DLT and 5-ALA-PDT light delivery and monitoring system (pcGlio-DSS).
- Demonstrate the therapeutic benefits of DLT.
GlioLight coordinator. Leading research on the mechanisms of action and protective effects of DLT.
PARTNERS
Leading research on the potential side-effects and safety of DLT on the brain
Leading development of DLT laser source technology.
Leading development of a preclinical DLT/PDT system
Leading assessment of optical tissue properties, treatment, and side effects of DLT.
Supporting project management and maximising project impact
NEWS AND UPDATES
January 2024 - Press Releases
With the project kicking off this month, some of our partners have been releasing their own press releases on the respective websites. Check them out here!
February 2024 - GlioLighT Kick-Off Meeting
In February, GlioLighT celebrated its kick-off meeting in Mainz Germany, where the full consortium met up in person for the first time to discuss the plans for the project. Even though we’re only a few months into the project, the partners have certainly not been idle! 1267nm laser sources have now been distributed to the partners, and training and set-up is underway. Soon, everybody will be ready to begin their experiments investigating 1267nm light in both glioma and healthy brain! Various technical challenges and resolutions were discussed, and it’s clear that all partners are very excited for the potential of this project!
PUBLICATIONS
coming soon
