Dual-Laser Approach Offers Advanced Cancer Treatment

New Method Uses Two Wavelengths to Target Tumors While Minimizing Damage

A novel cancer treatment method utilizes a dual-laser approach to eradicate tumors while preserving healthy tissue. This technique, developed by researchers, offers a promising advancement in photothermal therapy for cancer treatment, potentially revolutionizing how we combat the disease.

Innovative Dual-Laser Photothermal Therapy

A project spearheaded by China’s **Shenzhen Institutes of Advanced Technology (SIAT)** developed a new strategy using dual-wavelength irradiation. This could potentially transform breast cancer photothermal therapy. Their method exploits the properties of the organic molecule PM331 and its thermal behavior.

The SIAT team created PM331@F127 nanoparticles using Pluronic F-127, a commercial copolymer. This controlled fabrication resulted in particles displaying high thermal conversion efficiencies at specific wavelengths.

“Leveraging these characteristics, we developed a dual-laser PTT strategy that integrates the benefits of traditional high-temperature and low-temperature PTT,”

—SIAT Project Team

According to the American Cancer Society, in 2024, there will be an estimated 300,590 new cases of invasive breast cancer diagnosed in women. (Source)

How the Dual-Laser System Works

The dual-laser photothermal therapy treatment is divided into two phases. Initially, an 808-nanometer laser irradiation induces DNA damage, around 50 degrees Celsius, while suppressing a heat shock protein. This is followed by a 1,064-nanometer laser treatment, which ablates residual cancer cells with minimal inflammatory response.

Tracking nanoparticles and targeting the laser was achieved by utilizing the second near-IR absorption of PM331@F127 particles alongside photoacoustic imaging. This process allows for precise targeting and helps locate tumors deep within tissues.

Promising Results and Future Directions

Tests on mice demonstrated that the dual-laser PTT successfully eliminated tumors with low toxicity, indicated by stable body weights and minimal inflammatory cytokine production. The group stated that this study supports the advancement of imaging-guided tumor phototherapy, which will help with immunotherapy integration.

Future integration with immunotherapy may offer a potent solution to combat tumor metastasis and recurrence.