The development of external stimulus-responsive nanoparticle (NP) systems for cancer therapy has received considerable attention in recent years, as these systems can differentially increase drug accumulation at target cancer cells/tissues, drastically decrease systemic toxicity, and potentially avoid underor over-dosing. External stimuli that have been exploited for such applications include l...

High-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) is a promising and noninvasive treatment for solid tumors, which has been explored for potential clinical applications. However, the clinical applications of HIFU for large and deep tumors such as hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) are severely limited by unsatisfactory imaging guidance, long therapeutic times, and damage to normal tissue around the tumor du...

BACKGROUND Central serous chorioretinopathy (CSC) has been traditionally treated with laser photocoagulation. We thought that transpupillary thermotherapy (TTT) utilizing a lower temperature than that of conventional laser photocoagulation might minimize permanent retinal and choroidal damage. Studies suggest that undesirable effects on vision due to TTT are minimal even if it is applied to fov...

PURPOSE OF REVIEW Transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) has long been held as the gold standard for treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH); however, there has been significant innovation in other less invasive alternative treatments for BPH in recent years. BPH treatment guidelines now recommend minimally invasive therapy be considered as a treatment option alongside TURP and ...

Laser-induced thermotherapy (LITT) is an established minimally invasive percutaneous technique of tumor ablation. Nevertheless, there is a need to predict the effect of laser applications and optimizing irradiation planning in LITT. Optical attributes (absorption, scattering) change due to thermal denaturation. The work presents the possibility to identify these temperature dependent parameters...

CH: Choroidal Hemangioma; CCH: Circumscribed Choroidal Hemangioma; DCH: Diffuse Choroidal Hemangioma; Gy: Gray; TTT: Transpupillary Thermotherapy: PDT: Photodynamic Therapy; EBRT: External Beam Radiotherapy; PBT: Proton Beam Radiation; PB: Plaque Brachytherapy; GKRS: Gamma Knife Radiosurgery; VEGF: Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor; CGE: Cobalt Gray Equivalent; RD: Retinal Detachment; CME: Cys...

Transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) remains the gold standard for treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). In general, while this procedure is safe, patients require a spinal, epidural, or general anesthesia and often several days of hospital stay; the potential morbidity and mortality limits the use of TURP in high-risk patients. Pharmacotherapy has been recommended as a fir...

Bananas that provide a staple food to the millions of people are adversely affected by several viruses such as Banana bunchy Top Virus (BBTV), Banana Streak Virus (BSV), and Cucumber Mosaic Virus (CMV). These viruses are known to have a devastating effect on crop production and constraint to the international exchange and conservation of banana germplasm-a cornerstone for breeding new cultivars...

Water-induced thermotherapy (WIT), administered by the Thermoflex System, represents a novel minimally invasive technique for the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). The Thermoflex System consists of an extracorporeal heat source and a proprietary closed-loop catheter system. Water, heated to 60 degrees C, is continuously circulated through the catheter to a treatment balloon, whic...