The world's first light-emitting sticking plaster for treatment of skin cancer has been launched in the UK ahead of Sun Awareness Week (3-9 May).

The Ambulight PDT from Ambicare Health Ltd will be distributed to the NHS and private clinics by Schuco, a specialist supplier of skin care technologies whose team of product specialists cover the UK from regional sites.

The plaster is used in conjunction with a prescribed drug to treat non-melanoma skin cancer, delivering photodynamic therapy (PDT) directly to the skin lesion site.

Current PDT treatment normally involves a day patient appointment at a hospital where a large static PDT light source is used. Ambulight PDT enables patients to continue with their normal activities while undergoing treatment.

Ian Muirhead, CEO of Ambicare Health, said the company hoped that Ambulight PDT would become "the gold standard treatment method for non-melanoma skin cancer, not only providing better more comfortable and convenient treatment for patients than existing methods but also reducing costs for the healthcare provider".

He added: "Our exclusive UK distributor, Schuco, has a key understanding and enthusiasm for the device which will be invaluable in progressing its widespread adoption.

"Sun Awareness Week is a great initiative to help raise an understanding of the risks of excessive or unprotected sun exposure, promoting important messages of skin cancer prevention and sun safety advice."

Anthony Hubbard, MD of Schuco, said: "With the Ambulight PDT, Schuco can now provide the means for non-invasive screening, detection and treatment of skin cancer, thus leaving far fewer scars on the skin and the NHS's financial resources."

Ambicare Health specialises in ambulatory light sources for healthcare applications.

 
Ambulight PDT