title: "Quantum Leap" in Photobiomodulation Therapy Ushers in a New Generation of Light-Based Treatments for Cancer and Other Complex Diseases: Perspective and Mini-Review.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Set within the context of the 2015 International Year of Light and Light-Based Technologies,and of a growing and aging world population with ever-rising healthcare needs, this perspective and mini-review focuses on photobiomodulation (PBM) therapy as an emerging, cost-effective, treatment option for cancer (i.e., solid tumors) and other complex diseases, particularly, of the eye (e.g., age-related macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, glaucoma, retinitis pigmentosa) and the central nervous system (e.g., Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease).
  
  
  BACKGROUND
  Over the last decades, primary and secondary mechanisms of PBM have been revealed. These include oxygen-dependent and oxygen-independent structural and functional action pathways. Signal and target characteristics determine biological outcome, which is optimal (or even positive) only within a given set of parameters.
  
  
  METHODS
  This study was a perspective and nonsystematic literature mini-review.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Studies support what we describe as a paradigm shift or "quantum leap" in the understanding and use of light and its interaction with water and other relevant photo-cceptors to restore physiologic function.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Based on existing evidence, it is argued that PBM therapy can raise the standard of care and improve the quality of life of patients for a fraction of the cost of many current approaches. PBM therapy can, therefore,benefit large, vulnerable population groups, including the elderly and the poor, whilehaving a major impact on medical practice and public finances.
authors.affiliation: Fundalas, Foundation for Interdisciplinary Research and Development, Caracas, Venezuela .
authors.forename: Luis
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Santana-Blank
authors.affiliation: Fundalas, Foundation for Interdisciplinary Research and Development, Caracas, Venezuela .
authors.forename: Elizabeth
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Rodríguez-Santana
authors.affiliation: Fundalas, Foundation for Interdisciplinary Research and Development, Caracas, Venezuela .
authors.forename: Karin E
authors.initials: KE
authors.lastname: Santana-Rodríguez
authors.affiliation: Fundalas, Foundation for Interdisciplinary Research and Development, Caracas, Venezuela .
authors.forename: Heberto
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Reyes
mesh_terms: D002493:Central Nervous System Diseases / Q000628:therapy*; D005128:Eye Diseases / Q000628:therapy*; D006801:Humans; D008027:Light; D028022:Low-Level Light Therapy / Q000379:methods* / Q000592:standards*; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000628:therapy*; D014867:Water
chemical_list: D014867:Water