St Andrews Research Repository

St Andrews University Home
View Item 
  •   St Andrews Research Repository
  • Physics & Astronomy (School of)
  • Physics & Astronomy
  • Physics & Astronomy Theses
  • View Item
  •   St Andrews Research Repository
  • Physics & Astronomy (School of)
  • Physics & Astronomy
  • Physics & Astronomy Theses
  • View Item
  •   St Andrews Research Repository
  • Physics & Astronomy (School of)
  • Physics & Astronomy
  • Physics & Astronomy Theses
  • View Item
  • Login
JavaScript is disabled for your browser. Some features of this site may not work without it.

Under the skin : Monte Carlo radiation transfer modelling of photodynamic therapy

Thumbnail
View/Open
CatherineCampbellPhDThesis.pdf (29.56Mb)
Date
2016
Author
Campbell, Catherine Louise
Supervisor
Wood, Kenny
Brown, C. Tom A.
Moseley, Harry
Metadata
Show full item record
Altmetrics Handle Statistics
Abstract
Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is a non-invasive treatment method used for treating superficial skin lesions such as non-melanoma skin cancer (NMSC). The combination of light, a photo- sensitive molecule and oxygen results in selective tissue destruction. Even though PDT has resulted in many successful treatment outcomes, the treatment parameters such as required light dose and preferred light source have not yet been optimised. Since monitoring of the treatment progress is limited to surface observations, it is difficult to observe what is happening under the surface of the skin. In this thesis, the development of complex numerical modelling techniques is considered with the aim of increasing the understanding of how PDT works within the living skin tis- sue. In particular, the potential of using daylight as an alternative therapeutic light source is explored. Daylight PDT is associated with lower experienced pain and has the potential of reducing pressure on the clinics as well as the number of treatment occasions. A Monte Carlo radiation transfer (MCRT) model was developed to track photon propagation during treatment. The first theoretical investigation of daylight PDT is presented where the results indicate a potential treatment depth of over 2 mm, which is sufficient for treating superficial skin cancer lesions. Additional models are developed, which consider the drug interaction and the diffusion of the drug. To include different patient characteristics and more detailed skin models, multi-layered tissue as well as complex three dimensional tumour tissues are included within the MCRT model framework. There is no such thing as a generic patient, making it difficult to generate standardised treatment protocols. The research performed in this thesis provides further insights into light interaction with skin tissue for different patient and treatment characteristics, which is a vital step towards achieving more individualised treatment regimes.
Type
Thesis, PhD Doctor of Philosophy
Collections
  • Physics & Astronomy Theses
URI
http://hdl.handle.net/10023/9899

Items in the St Andrews Research Repository are protected by copyright, with all rights reserved, unless otherwise indicated.

Advanced Search

Browse

All of RepositoryCommunities & CollectionsBy Issue DateNamesTitlesSubjectsClassificationTypeFunderThis CollectionBy Issue DateNamesTitlesSubjectsClassificationTypeFunder

My Account

Login

Open Access

To find out how you can benefit from open access to research, see our library web pages and Open Access blog. For open access help contact: openaccess@st-andrews.ac.uk.

Accessibility

Read our Accessibility statement.

How to submit research papers

The full text of research papers can be submitted to the repository via Pure, the University's research information system. For help see our guide: How to deposit in Pure.

Electronic thesis deposit

Help with deposit.

Repository help

For repository help contact: Digital-Repository@st-andrews.ac.uk.

Give Feedback

Cookie policy

This site may use cookies. Please see Terms and Conditions.

Usage statistics

COUNTER-compliant statistics on downloads from the repository are available from the IRUS-UK Service. Contact us for information.

© University of St Andrews Library

University of St Andrews is a charity registered in Scotland, No SC013532.

  • Facebook
  • Twitter