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Lung cancer remains a primary threat contributing to high cancer mortality rates and relapse. An attributing factor, metastasis, has been concluded to be due to stem-like cells possessing cancer properties. Cancer stem cells (CSCs) portray characteristics similar to embryonic and adult stem cells in which they are capable of indefinite proliferation, self-renewal and specialize in cell differentiation. Low Intensity Laser Irradiation (LILI) is a light therapy used for treating various disease states and cancer conditions. Having stimulatory effects on irradiated cells and tissues by upregulating metabolism via proliferation, formation of capillaries and activate adenosine triphosphate (ATP) synthase production. LILI has been shown to stimulate, as well as to inhibit cellular processes at different intensities. The aim of this exploratory study was to investigate the possible outcomes that various laser intensities and wavelengths would have on isolated lung CSCs.
About the author
Anine Crous, N.Dip (UJ), B.Tech (UJ), M.Tech (UJ), is currently completing a PhD at the Laser Research Centre at the University of Johannesburg. Her research interests lie in the field of Photodynamic Therapy, Low Intensity Laser Irradiation, Stem Cells and Cancer Stem Cells, where her focus is preventing cancer recurrence.
