In a novel study US researchers say that light could the promising tool in the battle against cancer. The existing treatment for cancer are divided into three categories, first is blasting a tumour with radiation, second is surgical removal of a tumour and third is annihilating cancerous cells with drugs.
All therapies have their own side effects and researchers are trying to come about with more accurate therapies. Researchers are trying to create a drug that sticks to tumours and is activated only when hit by precise waves of light. The treatment could be highly targeted and would not damage the surrounding tissue.
In a research by the team from the National Cancer Institute, Maryland made use of an antibody which aiming proteins present on surface of the cancerous cells. Then a chemical known as IR700 is attached to the antibody. The chemical IR700 is triggered when it is hit by infrared light close to it.
This wavelength of light can infiltrate several centimeters into the skin. For analyzing the combination of antibody-chemical, researchers implanted cancerous squamous cell carinoma, into the backs of mice. The mice were given the drug and exposed to near infrared light. They found that volume of tumour was reduced considerably in mice treated with drug than to untreated mice
In addition to that the survival of mice was significantly protracted. This selective assassination of cells minimizes damage to normal cells. This combination was a promising curative and analytical mediator for the treatment of cancer. Even though they did not observe any toxicity in their trails, still clinical translation of this method will require formal toxicity studies, added, the research team.
Using antibodies or photodynamic therapy to specially target cancer cells have both been successful for treating some cancers, so combining the two together is certainly an exciting plan. This potential treatment has promise and they are also looking at using antibodies to deliver other knockout punches, such as radiation, directly to cancer cells, explained Dr Laura McCallum from Cancer Research UK.
source : www.bbc.co.uk/news