Light Could Treat Cancer

Cancer treatment will enter a new phase following the discovery potential of infrared rays to fight this deadly disease.

Recent research published in the journal Nature Medicine shows that the cancer drug therapy can now be arranged in such a way that only target cells that attacked the tumor. These focused therapy can be activated when cancer cells were irradiated with infrared light waves.

That is, it makes use of light therapy became an extremely specific or directional, so it will not damage the tissue or cells in the vicinity who did not have cancer.

Currently, cancer therapy can be divided into three categories, namely by using radiation, surgery techniques to remove the tumor and the use of drugs to kill cancer cells. All types of this therapy has risks and side effects, so scientists continue to seek treatment more accurate and secure.

In a recent study, experts from the National Cancer Institute, Maryland, United States using antibodies that target proteins on the surface of cancer cells. A type of chemical called IR700 attached to the antibodies. The new IR700 can actively work after irradiated with infrared light. These light waves can penetrate into the skin layers up to several centimeters. To test the effectiveness of the combination of antibody and chemical formulas, researchers implant squamous carcinoma tumor types in mice. Rodent is then given formula and its infrared radiation.

"The volume of tumors were significantly smaller than tumors in the mice not given therapy and the age they are longer. The technique of selective treatment that can reduce damage to normal cells," researchers said in a statement.