LIGHT Study
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Leveraging Photodynamic Therapy to Inhibit Microorganisms - Assessing the Efficacy of Photodynamic Therapy for Preventing Surgical Site Infections in Nasal Surgery Patients: A Randomised Pilot Study
IRAS ID
345142
Contact name
Claire Hopkins
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 10 months, 0 days
Research summary
This study aims to test a new method called photodynamic therapy (PDT) to prevent infections in patients undergoing nasal surgery. PDT uses a special light and a photosensitising agent (methylene blue,with chlorhexidine) to kill bacteria in the nose, particularly those causing surgical site infections (SSI). Infections after surgery can cause severe complications, longer recovery times, and increased healthcare costs. Staphylococcus aureus, a common bacterium in the nose, often causes these infections. Nose surgery patients do not receive treatment as part of standard of care to reduce this risk. Traditional treatments use antibiotics, but bacteria can become resistant. PDT offers a faster, one-off, potentially more effective alternative without the risk of antibiotic resistance.
This study will involve eighty patients scheduled for nasal surgery, who will be randomised into two groups: one receiving PDT and the other receiving the nasal solution agent (which has some action on killing germs) but no light therapy. PDT involves applying methylene blue inside the nose with a pre-dosed single use swab and activating it with a special light for two two-minute cycles to kill bacteria.
We will take bacterial cultures from the nose before and after surgery with swabs to assess the effectiveness of PDT. We will also evaluate nasal inflammation with a physical examination and flexible endoscope. Follow-up assessments will include phone calls and face to face appointments to monitor for infections and antibiotic use.
The study will monitor for any adverse reactions or device issues to ensure patient safety.
This pilot study will gather data on the effectiveness and safety of nasal photodisinfection in preventing infections after nasal surgery. If successful, this method could improve patient outcomes by reducing infection rates, minimising antibiotic use, and speeding up recovery. The findings will help design larger studies to confirm these benefits and potentially change preoperative care practices.
REC name
London - Westminster Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
24/PR/1299
Date of REC Opinion
10 Dec 2024
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion