Using light therapy to treat infections from burst appendicitis
Official title: Photodynamic therapy for perforated appendicitis
Funded at University of Rochester · NIH-10843916 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at a new light-based treatment called photodynamic therapy to help fight infections from perforated appendicitis, especially for those stubborn bacteria that don't respond to regular antibiotics, with the hope of speeding up recovery for patients.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Rochester NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Rochester, United States) |
| Project start | May 18, 2023 |
| Project end | April 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $192,500 |
| NIH project number | 5R21AI178152-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10843916 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are adults and children diagnosed with perforated appendicitis or related intra-abdominal infections.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with non-perforated appendicitis or those who do not have bacterial infections may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the use of photodynamic therapy (PDT) as a treatment for infections caused by perforated appendicitis. By generating reactive oxygen species through light exposure, PDT aims to effectively kill bacteria, including those resistant to antibiotics. The study will utilize both animal models and human samples to evaluate the therapy's effectiveness. This approach seeks to reduce the need for prolonged antibiotic treatment and improve recovery outcomes for patients.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide a new, effective treatment option for patients suffering from perforated appendicitis, potentially reducing hospital stays and improving recovery rates.
How similar studies have gone: While photodynamic therapy is a novel approach in this context, similar antimicrobial strategies have shown promise in other medical applications.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Rochester
Rochester, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Baran, Timothy M — University of Rochester
- Study coordinator: Baran, Timothy M
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.