Many existing cancer treatments, such as chemotherapy and radiation, don’t distinguish between cancer cells and healthy body cells, and the healthy cells killed alongside cancer cells result in harsh side effects. Researchers are constantly looking for new treatments that are better able to target cancer cells while leaving healthy cells untouched. A new study seems to have uncovered a therapy that could do just that.
The study, conducted through a collaboration between a team at University of Texas, Austin, and another team at the University of Porto, Portugal, leveraged a combination of using nano-sized tin particles together with LED light. The therapy was able to target cancerous cells and kill them while leaving healthy body cells unaffected.
Prof. Anne Incorvia, one of the leaders of the Texas-based team that conducted this research, explains that they sought to develop a therapy that was effective, accessible and safe.
During this preclinical trial, the researchers obtained human colorectal cancer cells and skin cancer cells. They then exposed these malignant cells to the LED light and SnOx nanoflakes (tiny particles of tin). Within half an hour, the treatment eliminated about 92 percent of the skin cancer tissues and 50 percent of the cells with colorectal cancer. Healthy cells were not impacted by this treatment.
The researchers explained that the tin particles served as a catalyst in a process through which malignant cells were heated using the LED light. This heating process caused the cancer cells to die, and this approach shows promise in killing off remnant cancer cells after a tumor has been surgically removed. By using this method, the likelihood of a tumor regrowing can be greatly reduced, if not eliminated.
After succeeding in proving their concept, the team is now working to test other materials that can work as catalysts in this therapy. They are also looking more closely into how the heat reaction attains the results observed. Thereafter, they intend to develop devices through which this treatment approach can be used by clinicians managing patients with cancer.
Their vision is to make their therapy accessible in places where specialized facilities are lacking, and they hope that their approach can be translated into an at-home approach of treating skin cancers.
Many other teams, such as the R&D team at Calidi Biotherapeutics Inc. (NYSE American: CLDI), are focused on developing cancer treatments that are more effective but don’t come with the side effects that currently characterize the existing options. With time, breakthroughs could be commercialized and patients will benefit from these alternatives.
About BioMedWire
BioMedWire (“BMW”) is a specialized communications platform with a focus on the latest developments in the Biotechnology (BioTech), Biomedical Sciences (BioMed) and Life Sciences sectors. It is one of 70+ brands within the Dynamic Brand Portfolio @ IBN that delivers: (1) access to a vast network of wire solutions via InvestorWire to efficiently and effectively reach a myriad of target markets, demographics and diverse industries; (2) article and editorial syndication to 5,000+ outlets; (3) enhanced press release enhancement to ensure maximum impact; (4) social media distribution via IBN to millions of social media followers; and (5) a full array of tailored corporate communications solutions. With broad reach and a seasoned team of contributing journalists and writers, BMW is uniquely positioned to best serve private and public companies that want to reach a wide audience of investors, influencers, consumers, journalists and the general public. By cutting through the overload of information in today’s market, BMW brings its clients unparalleled recognition and brand awareness.
BMW is where breaking news, insightful content and actionable information converge.
To receive SMS alerts from BioMedWire, “Biotech” to 888-902-4192 (U.S. Mobile Phones Only)
For more information, please visit https://www.BioMedWire.com
Please see full terms of use and disclaimers on the BioMedWire website applicable to all content provided by BMW, wherever published or re-published: https://www.BioMedWire.com/Disclaimer
BioMedWire
San Francisco, CA
www.BioMedWire.com
415.949.5050 Office
Editor@BioMedWire.com
BioMedWire is powered by IBN
