Cutting edge Photonic based technologies for use in clinical settings allow doctors to non-invasively measure pathological and physiological properties of tissues, providing a better understanding of development of disease as well as the monitoring of treatment. This is the main goal of this multidisciplinary program led by the ICFO
and funded by “la Caixa” Foundation.
These external, safe, portable and cost efficient technologies represent very attractive opportunities for doctors and their patients, most notably in the treatment of neurological diseases, cancer, cardiovascular diseases, and the harmful effects of aging. The Medical Optics group at ICFO led by Prof. Turgut Durduran develops new such technologies, collaborating actively with a number of hospitals and biomedical research centers.
In a new project financed by “la Caixa” Foundation, ICFO will coordinate a series of clinical studies in co-operation with leading research hospitals in Barcelona to apply cutting edge technologies based on Diffuse Optical Spectroscopy / Tomography and Diffuse Correlation Spectroscopy / Tomography. Clinical research in the areas of neurology, neurosurgery and oncology will take place in collaborating groups at Hospital Clínic, Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau, Hospital Vall d’Hebron, IDIBAPS and IDIBELL.
The tumor angiogenesis research group at IDIBELL, led by Oriol Casanovas, participates in this program through the development of a project using photonics,
specifically, diffuse optical spectroscopy specifically, to monitor tumor angiogenesis and predicting response to anti-angiogenic therapies in models mice of cancer.
ICFO focuses on research and training within the different branches of science and optical technologies.
In research, conducting research ICFO border, broad-based in various fields of photonic sciences, from optical telecommunications to biotechnology, through remote sensing techniques, sensors, quantum information and industrial photonics.
In training, offers the possibility of obtaining a doctorate in optical sciences with extensive coverage of both basic and applied aspects.
In economic development and wealth creation, the center establishes partnerships with industry and the private sector in general, and promotes the creation of technology-based firms by their researchers and, especially, their graduate students.