Study lights up new strategy for targeting cancer
January 3rd, 2010 Posted in NewsA team of researchers from the University of Edinburgh has discovered a new method for targeting anti-cancer drugs to their target, based on light emission. It is thought the technique could light the way to safer cancer treatments.
The researchers found that by shining light on microscopic light-absorbing semiconductors – a component of solar cells – it was possible to activate certain anticancer drugs. Additionally, it is thought that the amount of drug activated can be controlled by altering the wavelength of the light used.
By administering inactive forms of the drugs and then selectively activating different amounts of drug at the site of a tumour, the strategy may help to reduce the side-effects of anticancer drugs. According to Dr Juan Mareque-Rivas (University of Edinburgh’s School of Chemistry): “There is much work to be done before our discovery translates into treatment for cancer patients. However, we believe this semiconductor technology could offer a safe and efficient form of chemotherapy”.
For more information please contact: Dr Juan Mareque-Rivas, School of Chemistry; e-mail Juan.Mareque@ed.ac.uk
-James Beggs
