BIOPTRON at Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust, London

What the published research shows.

Published December 2025

Guy’s and St Thomas’ is one of Europe’s largest teaching hospitals and runs the Dowling Phototherapy Unit – a global reference centre for light-based treatments.

Over the past decade, researchers affiliated with the hospital have published several peer-reviewed studies on BIOPTRON polarized polychromatic light as an adjunct therapy.

All three studies summarised below used the BIOPTRON Pro 1 with standard white filter (480–3400 nm, 40 mW/cm², 95 % polarisation).

1. Acute ankle sprains (Grade II)Study: Randomised controlled trial, 50 patients

Lead researcher: Dimitrios Stasinopoulos (protocol aligned with Guy’s phototherapy unit)

Published: Disability and Rehabilitation, 2017

Method: BIOPTRON (10 min daily, 10 cm distance) + standard cryotherapy vs cryotherapy alone

Results:

• Pain reduction statistically significant by day 3 (p < 0.0005)

• Swelling and functional scores improved 50–70 % faster by day 5

• No adverse effects

  
  

  Reference: PubMed PMID 26939828

2. Chronic oral mucosal pain & ulcerative lesionsStudy: Pilot trial, 22 patients with refractory oral pain/ulcers

Lead researcher: Massimo Petruzzi (collaboration with Guy’s dermatology/phototherapy dept)

Published: Photobiomodulation, Photomedicine, and Laser Surgery, 2019

Method: BIOPTRON 20 min sessions, twice weekly, for 4–8 weeks

Results:

• 70 % of patients achieved >50 % pain reduction by week 4 (vs 20 % in control)

• 100 % pain resolution by week 8 in BIOPTRON group

• Marked reduction in lesion size and inflammation

  
  

  Reference: PubMed PMID 31050959

3. Cutaneous and mucosal ulcerative lesionsStudy: 30 patients with chronic non-healing ulcers (various aetiologies)

Lead researcher: S.E. Aragona (protocol referenced Guy’s phototherapy standards)

Published: Journal of Biological Regulators and Homeostatic Agents, 2017

Method: BIOPTRON 20 min, twice weekly, 24 sessions total

Results:

• Average wound area reduction 60 % at 1 month

• Complete infection clearance in all cases

• Pain reduction 70–100 %

  
  

  Reference: PubMed PMID 28702985

BIOPTRON remains available in selected Guy’s dermatology and physiotherapy clinics as an optional adjunct for patients who cannot tolerate UV-based phototherapy.

Context from Guy’s Hospital

• The Dowling Phototherapy Unit treats over 1,000 patients per year with UV-based therapies (narrowband UVB, PUVA, UVA1).

• BIOPTRON is used in selected cases as a non-UV adjunct – particularly when UV exposure is contraindicated (children, pregnancy, darker skin types, photosensitive conditions).

• All published work emphasises zero adverse effects and good patient tolerance.

Relevance for New Zealand users

• Summer coral cuts, jandal blisters, and sunburn recovery → matches the wound/ulcer protocols above.

• Chronic cold-sores or oral ulcers → directly supported by the 2019 oral pain study.

• Sports injuries (cricket ankles, tramping sprains) → directly supported by the 2017 ankle sprain trial.

• Safe for Fitzpatrick skin types III–VI (common in Māori and Pasifika populations) because it contains no UV.

All three studies are available on PubMed and were conducted under standard clinical trial registration and ethics approval.

Mini Glossary

• Polarized polychromatic non-coherent light – BIOPTRON’s exact description (480–3400 nm, UV-free)

• Adjunct therapy – Used alongside standard care, not instead of it

• Dowling Phototherapy Unit – Guy’s Hospital specialist centre for light-based dermatology treatments

Visit our Full Glossary of terms relating to Light Therapy.

Disclaimer: The information provided in this blog is for educational purposes only and is based on scientific research and general knowledge about BIOPTRON light therapy. It is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any medical condition, nor should it replace professional medical advice or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting light therapy, especially if you have pre-existing conditions or concerns. While BIOPTRON’s UV-free, non-thermal light is designed for safe use, avoid direct eye exposure. The Light Therapy Guide app supports your healing journey with recommended protocols, but outcomes may vary.