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Researchers use light to kill inoperable tumors

Researchers at UT San Antonio have devised a method of using light to attack inoperable or hard-to reach tumors. This could give options to patients who were considered too high of risk to help.

Optogenetics is a technique which involves the use of light to control cells in the living tissue. Typically used for neurons, scientists are using them to fight cancer too.
The technique involves injecting the the chemical compound nitrobenzaldehyde into the tumor and waiting for it to diffuse through it. Then a beam of ultraviolet light is aimed at the chemical-filled tumor, which becomes so highly acidic that it basically commits suicide. According to a US Antonio press release, 95 percent of the cancer cells targeted in the mice were dead.

While still very experimental, this method limits the treatment to a specific area, unlike chemotherapy that affects all cells in the body. Since it only requires an injection it’s also non-invasive, making it appealing for complicated areas like the brain stem or spine.
“Even though there are many different types of cancers, the one thing they have in common is their susceptibility to this induced cell suicide,” said Matthew

Gdovin, an associate professor in UTSA Department of Biology, who developed this patented method to kill cancer cells. The research was published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology.

Gdovin tested his method against triple negative breast cancer, one of the most aggressive types of cancer and one of the hardest to treat. The prognosis for triple negative breast cancer is usually very poor. After one treatment in the laboratory, he was able to stop the tumor from growing and double chances of survival in mice.

Gdovin has now begun to test the method on drug-resistant cancer cells to make his therapy as strong as possible. He’s also started to develop a nanoparticle that can be injected into the body to target metastasized cancer cells. The nanoparticle is activated with a wavelength of light that it can pass harmlessly through skin, flesh and bone and still activate the the cancer-killing nanoparticle.

“There are so many types of cancer for which the prognosis is very poor,” he said. “We’re thinking outside the box and finding a way to do what for many people is simply impossible.”

Peace-lover, creative, smart and intelligent. Prapti is a foodie, music buff and a travelholic. After leaving a top-notch full time corporate job, she now works as an Online Editor for Biotecnika. Keen on making a mark in the scientific publishing industry, she strives to find a work-life balance. Follow her for more updates!