biolitec supports Mouth Cancer Foundation for the 6th Mouth Cancer Walk in London

More publicity for the fight against head and mouth cancer – Photodynamic therapy is gaining ground – Cancer drug Foscan® as a new option

Jena, September 22, 2011 – Employees of biolitec AG, leading provider of minimally invasive laser therapies and PDT (photodynamic therapy), took part in the 6th Mouth Cancer Walk in London, thus supporting the efforts of the British Mouth Cancer Foundation to increase public attention for and prophylaxis against head and mouth cancer in Great Britain. The Walk which was set up as a fun race and fundraising event was also supported by biolitec AG as a sponsor for the charitable organisation.

Dr. Winrich Rauschning, managing director of biolitec pharma ltd. commented: „biolitec really cares about enhancing the public perception of head and mouth cancer and increasing prophylaxis against it. The earlier cancer is detected, the higher is the probability for recovery. Being the supplier of the photosensitizer Foscan®, we have great sympathy for the activities of the Mouth Cancer Foundation.

Biolitec pharma has developed an innovative therapeutic concept: The agent Foscan® accumulates selectively within tumour cells and destroys them after light activation using a diode laser. Particularly in treating head and neck cancer this so-called photodynamic therapy (PDT) is an attractive alternative compared to surgery and radiotherapy, since it is very effective and at the same time more gentle and cost-efficient. Through our participation in the Walk, we wanted to make a very personal contribution to the cause of the Mouth Cancer Foundation.”

Foscan® has been used effectively since several years in Italy and the Netherlands and the costs for the treatment are borne by health insurances. In Germany the substance has so far only been employed in a few specialised clinics.

Head and neck cancer is the sixth most common kind of tumour, most frequently in the form of squamous epithelium carcinoma. Following surgery, chemo- or radiotherapy, about half of the patients suffer from a relapse (i.e. a recurrence of the disease) which can be treated with photodynamic therapy.

The London-based Mouth Cancer Foundation was established in 2004 by Dr. Vinod Joshi to help people suffering from head, neck and mouth cancer. In 2005, the foundation acquired official charitable status.

About biolitec
biolitec AG is one of the leading companies worldwide in the field of medical laser treatment and the only provider that possesses all the relevant core competences – photosensitizers, laser devices and optical fibres – in the field of photodynamic therapy (PTD). Besides the laser-assisted treatment of cancer with Foscan®, biolitec AG primarily researches and markets minimally-invasive and gentle laser treatments. ELVeS® (Endo Laser Vein System) is the laser system most often used worldwide for the treatment of venous insufficiency, the Evolve™ laser has established as a gentle treatment in urology. Gentle laser treatments in the fields of proctology, ENT, orthopaedics and ophtalmology as well as aesthetics also belong to the business field of biolitec AG. biolitec AG is listed in the Prime Standard and the German Entrepreneurial Index GEX® (ISIN DE0005213409). Further information under www.biolitec.de or www.biolitecpharma.com.

biolitec AG
Otto-Schott-Str. 15
D-07745 Jena
www.biolitec.de
Press Contact
Jörn Gleisner
Telefon: +49 (0) 69 / 959083-20
Telefax: +49 (0) 69 / 959083-99
E-Mail: joern.gleisner@biolitec.com

This release was published on openPR.