Conformal patch for administering light therapy to subcutaneous tumors

Abstract

A flexible patch provided with a plurality of light sources mounted in spaced-apart array on its undersurface and covered with an optically transparent polymer material. The light sources are energized with an electrical current supplied by a flexible polymer battery, which is preferably rechargeable. Electrical current is conveyed through a lead that extends from the flexible battery to the flexible patch and then through an electrical circuit that includes a plurality of conductive traces formed using a conductive ink applied to the surface of a flexible substrate that supports the light sources. The thickness of the flexible patch at its maximum is less than 1.0 millimeters. The light sources can be separately grouped, and the electrical current supplied to each group individually controlled to achieve a desired light intensity and/or duration exposure to the light therapy over different portions of the undersurface of the flexible patch and different portions of the treatment site. An adhesive applied to the treatment site on the patient's body or on the undersurface of the flexible patch is used to mount the flexible patch to the treatment site. A plurality of slots that extend through the flexible substrate provide passages for air and moisture and enable the flexible substrate to freely and more readily conform to irregular, non-planar shapes of the treatment site. The flexible substrate can also be adhesively secured to a non-planar surface within a patient's body to render the light therapy internally.