A major breakthrough in targeted cancer treatment utilizes an innovative therapy of light-activated molecules to destroy malignant cells, while leaving normal skin tissue intact. The study centers on a new photodynamic therapy (PDT) approach that employs microscopic flakes of tin, called “SnOx nanoflakes,” in which “Sn” refers to the chemical symbol for tin. These nano flakes are sensitive to a precise wavelength of light. Upon exposure, these light-activated molecules generate reactive oxygen species, which selectively damage cancer cells. In laboratory testing, the technique destroyed up to 92% of skin cancer cells and 50% of colorectal cancer cells within just 30 minutes, with no measurable harm to surrounding healthy cells.
Developed by an international team of researchers at UT Austin and researchers in Portugal, the therapy leverages near-infrared light, which penetrates skin more effectively than visible light and activates the molecule only within cancerous tissue. This precise targeting significantly reduces side effects compared to conventional chemotherapy or radiotherapy, both of which damage healthy tissue as they attack tumors. Importantly, because the therapy is light-triggered, it can be localized to visible or surgically exposed regions, making it highly effective for skin cancers, superficial tumors, and potential adaptation for endoscopic cancer treatments.
The light-reactive molecule used in this study marks a next-generation evolution of photosensitizers utilized in current PDT applications. Traditional photosensitizers, such as porphyrins, often suffer from incomplete selectivity and the risk of photosensitivity disorders. The new compound, however, shows improved biocompatibility, faster clearance from the body, and better tumor selectivity. These qualities allow for more precise control over the treatment duration and minimize residual side effects after light exposure.
Another notable feature of the study is its dual potential—not only for cancer treatment but also for general biomedical imaging. The molecules fluoresce under specific wavelengths, providing real-time visualization of cancerous regions. This means clinicians could both identify and treat tumors in one continuous light-based procedure, improving accuracy during surgeries or non-invasive procedures.
The research team demonstrated that the therapy causes cell death primarily via induced apoptosis, the body’s natural mechanism for removing defective cells. Unlike necrosis, which triggers inflammation, apoptosis ensures a clean and controlled elimination of tumor cells, further lowering the risk of complications. The selectivity arises from the different metabolic and structural signatures of cancer cells compared to normal tissue, allowing the light-activated molecules to accumulate preferentially in malignant cells before illumination.
Looking ahead, the scientists plan to translate these laboratory successes into clinical trials. Early findings suggest the platform could be highly adaptable, offering new strategies for treating cancers close to the body’s surface, including melanoma, basal cell carcinoma, and colorectal lesions. With refinements in light delivery systems and molecular tuning, this approach might eventually be expanded to deeper or metastatic cancers through fiber-optic or nanocarrier technologies.
In the future, light-based oncology therapies may combine diagnostic imaging, minimal invasiveness, and selective tumor destruction—promising a new standard for precision cancer care.
More information is available here and here.
Image above: https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/acsnano.5c03135.
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