Cancer is the second-leading cause of death around the globe, presenting critical hurdles for developing effective therapies. Discoveries by researchers at the Faculty of Engineering of the University of Porto present interested new hope for cancer therapy. This pioneering effort is being spearheaded by Artur Pinto. The project focuses on utilizing near-infrared photothermal therapy, aiming to create a treatment that is not only effective but safe and accessible.
PhD student Artur Pinto is at the helm of this trailblazing research. On this project, he collaborates closely with Jean Anne Incorvia, an associate professor at the Cockrell School of Engineering’s Chandra Family Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering. They want to meet the tremendous need for new, more effective cancer therapies. Their aim is to spare healthy cells while still being able to combat malignant ones.
Promising Results in Cancer Cell Reduction
The researchers’ strategy uses LED light with SnOx nanoflakes to efficiently kill cancer cells selectively. In their studies, they recorded remarkable outcomes: after just 30 minutes of exposure, the treatment successfully killed up to 92% of skin cancer cells and 50% of colorectal cancer cells.
“With the combination of LED light and SnOx nanoflakes, we’ve developed a method to precisely target [cancer cells] while leaving [healthy cells] untouched.” – Artur Pinto
Together, these results underscore the potential of this technology to transform clinical practice. The researchers are excited about the potential of this approach to transform cancer care. It spares damage to adjacent, healthy tissues, an increasingly worrisome byproduct of traditional treatment options.
Goals for Future Development
Looking forward, there are two overarching goals for the project. First, the researchers want to continue refining the technology to make it as effective and safe as possible. To achieve this goal, they plan for their treatment to take place in the patient’s home, not in a hospital environment. This change would greatly improve patient accessibility and comfort.
“Our ultimate goal is to make this technology available to patients everywhere, especially places where access to specialized equipment is limited, with fewer side effects and lower cost,” – Artur Pinto
For skin cancers, Pinto imagines a more immediate use-case, where a portable device could be pressed against the skin after an excision. This device would then irradiate and destroy any remaining cancer cells, leading to a significant reduction in recurrence risks.
Addressing Access and Affordability
For Incorvia, inspiring hope by creating medicines that perform is a calling. To scale these solutions for the greatest adoption and reach among the population.
“Our goal was to create a treatment that is not only effective but also safe and accessible,” – Jean Anne Incorvia
This approach addresses an essential aspect of healthcare disparities. It ensures that effective cancer treatments are within reach for individuals regardless of their location or financial situation.
As this innovative therapy progresses through research and development phases, it holds the promise of transforming how patients experience cancer treatment. With ongoing efforts from Pinto, Incorvia, and their team, the future of cancer therapy may become more effective and less invasive.