Researchers at the University of Notre Dame have a development in cancer therapy: a miniature, wireless LED device that can be implanted directly into deep-seated tumours
This new approach aims to harness the power of light combined with a light-sensitive dye to effectively target and destroy cancer cells while stimulating the body’s immune response against the disease.
Converting light into energy
Published in Photodiagnosis and Photodynamic Therapy, the study shows how certain colours of light, particularly green light in this case, can penetrate tissues to activate a light-sensitive dye administered to the tumour cells.
This activation process converts light into energy, which in turn triggers the production of toxic oxygen within cancer cells, effectively causing them to self-destruct.
What sets this device apart from other treatments is its ability to induce a specific form of cell death known as pyroptosis. This type of cell death is characterised by cell swelling, which inadvertently triggers the immune system to recognise and attack cancer cells more effectively.
Targeting cancer growths
The device, roughly the size of a grain of rice, can be precisely implanted into tumours and activated wirelessly using an external antenna. This feature not only facilitates targeted treatment but also enables real-time monitoring of the tumour’s response. Researchers envision adjusting the device’s signal strength and activation timing based on individual tumour characteristics to optimise treatment outcomes.
In upcoming studies, researchers plan to test the device in mice to evaluate whether the immune response triggered in one tumour can extend to target other cancerous growths within the body.
The development of this device was made possible through funding from the Seed Transformative Interdisciplinary Research (STIR) grants, initiated in 2023 by Notre Dame’s College of Science and College of Engineering. These grants aim to foster innovative research projects in areas such as human health, the environment, and information technologies.
With its potential to revolutionise cancer treatment by overcoming the limitations of traditional therapies, this implantable LED device represents a significant step forward in the fight against cancer. As research progresses, scientists remain hopeful that this technology could eventually offer new hope to patients battling even the most challenging forms of cancer.
For further details on this pioneering research and its implications for cancer treatment, the complete study can be found in Photodiagnosis and Photodynamic Therapy or through the University of Notre Dame’s official research channels.
