The UCI Health Chao Family Comprehensive Cancer Center is one of only two U.S. cancer centers testing the potential breakthrough treatment using vascular targeted photodynamic therapy (VTP), which was developed by the Israel-based biotechnology company ImPact Biotech.
“We use the light-sensitive drug padeliporfin to destroy pancreatic tumors encasing major arteries in the abdomen—once the vessels are clear of tumors, patients can undergo what can be a lifesaving surgery,” said UCI Health radiologist Dr. Nadine Abi-Jaoudeh, a nationally recognized expert in interventional approaches to treating cancers and lead investigator of the groundbreaking clinical trial.