The 16th International Conference for Medical Laser Applications was held in San Diego, California, February 1-3, 2019. Laser therapy continues to make new inroads in treatment protocols for a variety of disorders. Once considered a fringe therapy, studies on laser treatment have recently found their way into medical journals like Lancet and Stroke. New treatments are being pioneered using trans- cranial near infrared to help with stroke recovery. In addition to the more established protocols for topical pain problems, interstitial and interarticular applications, sometimes used in conjunction with injections like platelet rich plasma (PRP) and stem cells, show promising results. Most of the current laser applications have focused on red and infrared wavelengths. Here, we learned the value of other colors on the light spectrum which traditionally have trouble penetrating the skin. When these other wavelengths are applied below skin level, they become valuable tools for strengthening and improving health.
An important topic of discussion at this conference was the use of “photosensitizers”, substances that can bind with cells to make them more sensitive to light therapy. These are proving to be particularly useful in the treatment of tumors.
Michael Weber, MD, gave several innovative lectures as well as workshops demonstrating the practical applications of various laser therapy treatments. Dr. Weber’s first lecture reviewed the history of laser therapy, reminding us that everything is made of light and impacted by light. Different wavelengths and intensities have varying effects on the body. He talked about the development of laser acupuncture and treatments for musculoskeletal and neurological problems. Over time, the use of different colors and wavelengths, as well as interstitial, intravenous, and sublingual therapies emerged as treatment modalities. Green light, for example, helps with oxygenation and blue light can stimulate nitric oxide, which assists with mitochondrial biogenesis. Regenerative medicine techniques incorporate laser therapy with PRP or stem cells. Dr. Weber discussed this in a subsequent lecture and live demonstration. On Day 3 he presented new information and several case studies treating various cancers with a combination of light therapy and both natural and pharmaceutical photosensitizers.
Michael Ellenburg, ND, discussed the use of intravenous lasers for a variety of applications including antiviral, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, lipid control, regeneration and many others. He reviewed the mechanisms of how light therapy works: Chromophores are photo acceptors in our cells that absorb light. He explained how light effects various processes in the body including NADH synthesis, heme, Cytochrome C , various immune factors, platelets and red blood cells.
Paul Anderson, NMD, discussed therapies that improve mitochondrial energy restoration and cellular function. In his clinic he works with patients who present with a wide variety of complex illnesses. He noted that particular wavelengths are more synergistic with certain photosensitizers. Curcumin, for example, is best absorbed with light in the blue range. He presented several slides related to cancer treatment. Currently, it appears that cancer cells that have become resistant to chemotherapy or radiation are less likely to do so with PDT, though more research needs to be done.
The second part of his talk discussed mitochondria and the electron transport system and how different substances—herbs and nutrients and other materials-- interacted with different light wavelengths to improve mitochondrial function and energy in the body. He presented studies that used these protocols and their effects. Another study showed how tumor reduction increased using the synergistic effects of PDT with the Hyperbaric Oxygen (HBOT).
Praveen Arany, PhD, looked at various applications of photobiomodulation therapy (PBMT) for different treatments. He reviewed scientific research on safety as well as such possible future treatments as regenerating teeth.
Juanita Anders explained the mechanism related to how mitochondria absorb light and how they lose function with the aging process. Mitochondrial aging can lead to neurodegeneration and the various illnesses that result. She reviewed the extensive studies done by her lab and others showing how trans-cranial delivery of photobiomodulation therapy (PBMT) leads to improved recovery in stroke, depression, dementia and other neurological diseases.
Salaheldin Halasa, MD, presented his work on Nitromedicine, a new specialty focusing on therapeutic light protocols that enhance stem cell therapy and reduce oxidative stress.
Steve Wheeler, MD, is a functional medicine doctor from Florida who talked about using Functional Medicine tools for better testing and gathering more patient information to undercover the true source of disease.
Albert Ray, MD, treats chronic pain with laser therapy in his clinic. He also believes that mindset and spirituality play an important role in pain management. He discussed how combining laser treatment with other therapies can lead to greater overall healing.
Steve Liu, L.Ac, discussed his work in the integrative treatment of Parkinson’s disease. He noted that Parkinson’s disease is increasing worldwide. As of yet, there is no cure but the progression can be delayed. In his clinic he combines PMBT with diet, exercise and neuroacupuncture. He uses trans-cranial, intranasal and laser acupuncture applications with his patients.
Elliot Lach, MD, FACS, discussed his work using photobiomodulation therapy (PBMT) to treat chronic wounds of all kinds. Therapy is designed to reduce infection, promote wound closing and rebuild collagen. This process can take several months, but the eventual results speak for themselves. He presented several case studies showing these improvements.
Bradford S Weeks, MD, noted that all living things are made of light—everything on Earth depends on capturing, storing and converting sunlight. Bio-photons are biological light. Feeding our bodies with healthy whole foods, lightens rather than darkens our energy field. We are nourished at the mitochondrial level by essential protons, electrons and photons. Organic seeds are the most nutrient dense food on the planet. Eating light-filled seeds is the optimal diet for long term health.
Richard Godine, DVM, presented his studies on treating renal failure in dogs and cats with photobiomodulation therapy (PBMT). His data showed how PBMT could help improve kidney function and longevity. He also reviewed treatment protocols for canine cruciate ligament disorders.
Sharon Gurm, ND, operates a clinic that focuses on integrative oncology. She combines photobiomodulation therapy (PBMT) with hyperthermia, ozone and other therapies in the treatment of cancer. In particular, she finds that using hyperthermia with laser therapy may achieve a stronger clinical result. She reviewed several cases in the treatment of different kinds of tumors.
Bryan Rade, ND, discussed the use of IV blood irradiation in the treatment of Lyme disease and other chronic infections. He has noticed that using a higher output power can lead to better clinical outcomes.
Kristy Fassler, ND, discussed her use of laser therapy in the treatment of both cervical dysplasia and tick disorders.
Jennifer Miele, HonD, Medical Research, is the Co-Founder and Director of Baja Medgate and founder of Nube Health, Inc., She discussed the use of PBMT and other integrative therapies in their Mexican clinic.
Matthias Wojcik, PhD, discussed his role in working with a new photosensitizer, Indocyanine Green (ICG), which has been used for clinical diagnosis for some time and is now finding a place in photobiomodulation therapy (PBMT). It is activated by near-infrared wavelengths and is especially useful in the treatment of tumors. It is both effective and non-toxic.
Antonio Jimenez, MD, is the founder and Chief Medical Officer at the Hope4Cancer treatment centers in Mexico. He discussed the results obtained in his clinics using Sono-Photo Dynamic Therapy. They have incorporated ICG as a photosensitizing agent which has enhanced results in the treatment of a number of cancers. They are also working with Photodynamic Infrared Spectroscopy (PDIS) as a follow up treatment and are having great results. He discussed several cases and clinical protocols.
Detlef Schikora, PhD, discussed a new diagnostic tool called Photodynamic Infrared Spectroscopy (PDIS). He noted that only 10% of cancer deaths are a result of the initial tumor. Most deaths are from metastases. PDIS allows its users to measure the number of circulating tumor cells (CTCs) in the blood at a given time. It is a unique tool because it takes its measurements in the blood using an IV laser spectroscopy device. ICG is used to bind to tumor cells and single them out. Implementation of chemotherapy or photo dynamic therapy (PDT) can destroy these cells before they can create more damage. PDIS tracks a patient’s progress and decreases the risk of developing metastases. Hopefully as this technology advances more cancer treatment centers will incorporate this tool in their practice.
