THE LASER IN CANCER RESEARCH *

h u c h of the original enthusiasm engendered by the early developments in biomedical laser technology has given way to the continued exploration of less dramatic attempts at an understanding of cancer.1.2J However, there must continue to be a nucleus of investigators with the time, equipment, initiative, and experimental background necessary to carry on laser studies-the goal being to establish a role for the laser in the therapy armamentarium of the clinician. Unfortunately, in spite of rather extensive experimentation in both the experimental laboratory'.5 and a more limited but aggressive clinical eval~ation?,~ the laser has not yet found its originally anticipated position in the hands of those who can be rightfully referred to as clinical or experimental oncologists. This review of our work attempts to demonstrate the basis for our early excitement, subsequent disillusionment, and present philosophylO*ll of encouraging continued experimental and clinical studies of cancer, using the knowledge and tools best fitted to the experienced investigator.