Researchers at Oregon State University have developed a new
way to selectively insert compounds into
cancer cells - a system that will help surgeons identify malignant tissues and
then, in combination with phototherapy, kill any remaining cancer cells after a
tumor is removed.
It’s about as simple as, “If it glows, cut it out.” And if a
few malignant cells remain, they’ll soon die.
The findings, published in the journal Nanoscale, have shown
remarkable success in laboratory animals. The concept should allow more
accurate surgical removal of solid tumors at the same time it eradicates any
remaining cancer cells. In laboratory tests, it completely prevented cancer
recurrence after phototherapy.