1064-nm-resonant gold nanorods for photoacoustic theranostics within permissible exposure limits.

Therapeutic and diagnostic methods based on photomechanical effects are attracting much current attention in contexts as oncology, cardiology and vascular surgery, for such applications as photoacoustic imaging or microsurgery. Their underlying mechanism is the generation of ultrasound or cavitation from the interaction of short optical pulses with endogenous dyes or targeted contrast agents. Among the latter, gold nanorods are outstanding candidates, but their use has mainly been reported for photoacoustic imaging and photothermal treatments.

Targeted 307 nm UVB-phototherapy in psoriasis. A pilot study comparing a 307 nm excimer light with topical dithranol.

Background: Phototherapy is a cornerstone in treatment of moderate-to-severe psoriasis. Narrow-band UVB has been shown to be a potent therapeutic tool. To reduce the potential carcinogenic risk, targeted phototherapy has been developed using excimer lasers or excimer light devices (ELD).