Abstract: This application is directed to a method of treating a patient with acne by applying a photodynamic agent to skin having acne lesions, waiting at least 12 hours, and then exposing the skin to which the photodynamic agent has been applied to light that causes an activation reaction.

Abstract: This application is directed to a method of treating onychomycosis by applying a phototherapeutic agent to a nail structure, waiting for a period of at least three days, and exposing the nail to light that causes an activation reaction. The phototherapeutic agent may be amino levulinic acid, alkylated derivatives of ALA, and their pharmaceutically acceptable salts.

Abstract: The present invention provides compositions and methods for decreasing photosensitivity induced by photodynamic therapy (PDT). The compositions and methods of the present method employ porphyrin complexing molecules as agents for reducing photosensitivity.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for photodynamic therapy or photodynamic diagnosis using an illuminator comprising a plurality of light sources generally conforming to a contoured surface and irradiating the contoured surface with substantially uniform intensity visible light. The light sources may comprise generally U-shaped fluorescent tubes that are driven by electronic ballasts. The spacing of the U-shaped tubes is varied to increase the output at the edges of the illuminator to make the output more uniform. Also, different portions of the tubes are cooled at different amounts, to improve uniformity. A light sensor monitors output from the U-shaped tubes to provide a signal for adjusting the output from the tubes.

Abstract: The present invention provides compositions and methods for decreasing photosensitivity induced by photodynamic therapy (PDT). The compositions and methods of the present method employ porphyrin complexing molecules as agents for reducing photosensitivity.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for photodynamic therapy or photodynamic diagnosis using an illuminator comprising a plurality of light sources generally conforming to a contoured surface and irradiating the contoured surface with substantially uniform intensity visible light. The light sources may comprise generally U-shaped fluorescent tubes that are driven by electronic ballasts. The spacing of the U-shaped tubes is varied to increase the output at the edges of the illuminator to make the output more uniform. Also, different portions of the tubes are cooled at different amounts, to improve uniformity. A light sensor monitors output from the U-shaped tubes to provide a signal for adjusting the output from the tubes.

Abstract: The invention encompasses a method of inhibiting the growth of hair in skin including epilation of follicles in the skin, waiting until within 5 days of the commencement of metanagen, applying a photodynamic agent to the skin, and exposing the skin to photoactivating light.

Abstract: This application is directed to a method of treating onychomycosis by applying a phototherapeutic agent to a nail structure, waiting for a period of at least three days, and exposing the nail to light that causes an activation reaction. The phototherapeutic agent may be amino levulinic acid, alkylated derivatives of ALA, and their pharmaceutically acceptable salts.

Abstract: This application is directed to a method of treating a patient with acne by applying a photodynamic agent to skin having acne lesions, waiting at least 12 hours, and then exposing the skin to which the photodynamic agent has been applied to light that causes an activation reaction.

Abstract: The present invention provides compositions and methods for decreasing photosensitivity induced by photodynamic therapy (PDT). The compositions and methods of the present method employ porphyrin complexing molecules as agents for reducing photosensitivity.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for photodynamic therapy or photodynamic diagnosis using an illuminator comprising a plurality of light sources generally conforming to a contoured surface and irradiating the contoured surface with substantially uniform intensity visible light. The light sources may comprise generally U-shaped fluorescent tubes that are driven by electronic ballasts. The spacing of the U-shaped tubes is varied to increase the output at the edges of the illuminator to make the output more uniform. Also, different portions of the tubes are cooled at different amounts, to improve uniformity. A light sensor monitors output from the U-shaped tubes to provide a signal for adjusting the output from the tubes.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for photodynamic therapy or photodynamic diagnosis using an illuminator comprising a plurality of light sources generally conforming to a contoured surface and irradiating the contoured surface with substantially uniform intensity visible light. The light sources may comprise generally U-shaped fluorescent tubes that are driven by electronic ballasts. Adjustment of the ballast voltage controls the output power of the tubes. The tubes are supported by a sheet-metal or plastic housing and are covered by a polycarbonate shield which directs cooling airflow within the unit and prevents glass-patient contact in the vent of tube breakage. An aluminum reflector located behind the tubes increases both the output irradiance and the uniformity of the output distribution. The spacing of the U-shaped tubes is varied to increase the output at the edges of the illuminator to make the output more uniform. Also, different portions of the tubes are cooled at different amounts, to improve uniformity.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for photodynamic therapy or photodynamic diagnosis using an illuminator comprising a plurality of light sources generally conforming to a contoured surface and irradiating the contoured surface with substantially uniform intensity visible light. The light sources may comprise generally U-shaped fluorescent tubes that are driven by electronic ballasts. Adjustment of the ballast voltage controls the output power of the tubes. The tubes are supported by a sheet-metal or plastic housing and are covered by a polycarbonate shield which directs cooling airflow within the unit and prevents glass-patient contact in the vent of tube breakage. An aluminum reflector located behind the tubes increases both the output irradiance and the uniformity of the output distribution. The spacing of the U-shaped tubes is varied to increase the output at the edges of the illuminator to make the output more uniform. Also, different portions of the tubes are cooled at different amounts, to improve uniformity.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for photodynamic therapy or photodynamic diagnosis using an illuminator comprising a plurality of light sources generally conforming to a contoured surface and irradiating the contoured surface with substantially uniform intensity visible light. The light sources may comprise generally U-shaped fluorescent tubes that are driven by electronic ballasts. Adjustment of the ballast voltage controls the output power of the tubes. The tubes are supported by a sheet-metal or plastic housing and are covered by a polycarbonate shield which directs cooling airflow within the unit and prevents glass-patient contact in the vent of tube breakage. An aluminum reflector located behind the tubes increases both the output irradiance and the uniformity of the output distribution. The spacing of the U-shaped tubes is varied to increase the output at the edges of the illuminator to make the output more uniform. Also, different portions of the tubes are cooled at different amounts, to improve uniformity.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for photodynamic therapy or photodynamic diagnosis using an illuminator comprising a plurality of light sources generally conforming to a contoured surface and irradiating the contoured surface with substantially uniform intensity visible light. The light sources may comprise generally U-shaped fluorescent tubes that are driven by electronic ballasts. Adjustment of the ballast voltage controls the output power of the tubes. The tubes are supported by a sheet-metal or plastic housing and are covered by a polycarbonate shield which directs cooling airflow within the unit and prevents glass-patient contact in the vent of tube breakage. An aluminum reflector located behind the tubes increases both the output irradiance and the uniformity of the output distribution. The spacing of the U-shaped tubes is varied to increase the output at the edges of the illuminator to make the output more uniform. Also, different portions of the tubes are cooled at different amounts, to improve uniformity.

Abstract: A method of photodynamically diagnosing or treating a contoured surface includes topically applying 5-aminolevulinic acid to the contoured surface and irradiating the contoured surface with substantially uniform intensity visible light from a plurality of light sources generally conforming to the contoured surface. The plurality of light sources may comprise fluorescent tubes.

Abstract: A method of treating acne using lower light intensity, fewer blue light treatments, and no photodynamic or photosensitizing agents is provided.

Abstract: Methods of enhancing the efficacy and safety of treatment with immuno-modulating agents are provided. The inventive methods combine treatment with immuno-modulating agents with photodynamic therapy (PDT). PDT can be administered before, during or after administration of the immuno-modulating agent. Combination therapy achieves at least the same efficacy as immuno-modulatory therapy in less time, with less immuno-modulating agent and fewer side-effects.

Abstract: The present invention provides compositions and methods for decreasing photosensitivity induced by photodynamic therapy (PDT). The compositions and methods of the present method employ porphyrin complexing molecules as agents for reducing photosensitivity.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for photodynamic therapy or photodynamic diagnosis using an illuminator comprising a plurality of light sources generally conforming to a contoured surface and irradiating the contoured surface with substantially uniform intensity visible light. The light sources may comprise generally U-shaped fluorescent tubes that are driven by electronic ballasts. Adjustment of the ballast voltage controls the output power of the tubes. The tubes are supported by a sheet-metal or plastic housing and are covered by a polycarbonate shield which directs cooling airflow within the unit and prevents glass-patient contact in the event of tube breakage. An aluminum reflector located behind the tubes increases both the output irradiance and the uniformity of the output distribution. The spacing of the U-shaped tubes is varied to increase the output at the edges of the illuminator to make the output more uniform. Also, different portions of the tubes are cooled at different amounts, to improve uniformity.