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Cancer

Breakthrough Cancer Treatment Combines LED Light and Tiny Tin Flakes to Neutralize Cancer Cells Safely and Effectively

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Researchers at the University of Texas at Austin and the University of Porto in Portugal have made a significant breakthrough in cancer treatment by developing a new method that combines LED light and tiny tin flakes, known as "SnOx nanoflakes," to neutralize cancer cells while shielding healthy cells. This innovative approach has the potential to revolutionize the treatment of various types of cancer, including colorectal and skin cancer, and overcome the challenges associated with traditional chemotherapy and other treatments.

Key Takeaways:

  • The new treatment combines LED light and SnOx nanoflakes to target cancer cells and leave healthy cells untouched.
  • In a recent study in ACS Nano, the treatment achieved remarkable effectiveness in neutralizing colorectal cancer cells and skin cancer cells, killing up to 92% of skin cancer cells and 50% of colorectal cancer cells within 30 minutes of exposure.
  • The treatment has been shown to be safe and selective, with no harmful effects on healthy human skin cells.
  • The researchers plan to learn more about the light and heat reaction and explore other possible catalyst materials, with the goal of developing devices to bring the technology to clinicians and patients, especially those in areas with limited access to specialized equipment.
  • The ultimate goal of the researchers is to make this technology available to patients everywhere, reducing the risk of recurrence and improving treatment outcomes.
  • The breakthrough research was made possible through the UT Austin Portugal Program, a long-standing science and technology partnership between UT and the Portuguese Foundation of Science and Technology.

Statistics:

  • 92%: The percentage of skin cancer cells killed by the treatment within 30 minutes of exposure.
  • 50%: The percentage of colorectal cancer cells killed by the treatment within 30 minutes of exposure.
  • 30 minutes: The amount of time required for the treatment to kill up to 92% of skin cancer cells and 50% of colorectal cancer cells.
  • 17 years: The duration of the collaboration between the University of Texas at Austin and the Portuguese Foundation of Science and Technology.
  • 5 years: The renewed term of the collaboration between the University of Texas at Austin and the Portuguese Foundation of Science and Technology.

Sources:

  • "A skin-friendly, photothermal cancer therapy using SnOx nanoflakes," published in ACS Nano.
  • VerticalNews Health & Science, "2025 NOV 2".
  • University of Texas at Austin, UT Austin Portugal Program.
  • Portuguese Foundation of Science and Technology (FCT).

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