Targeting Light-Sensitive Molecules to Tumor Site Ensures Effective Treatment

A team of researchers from the University of Hull and ETH Zurich connected light-sensitive molecules to antibodies that target blood vessels in tumors. When a light is focused on them, the molecules develop particles called reactive oxygen species. Great quantities of these species can irrevocably damage cells.

Targeting the molecules at the tumor blood vessels helped stop oxygen and nutrients from reaching the tumor, thus dissolving it. The tumor also did no reappear over the following 100 days.

Dr Ross Boyle, from Hull's Department of Chemistry, who designs and creates the light-sensitive molecules for the research said this targeted photodynamic therapy eliminated the tumor.  Clinical tests on humans is yet to commence. The research also revealed that the tumor could be killed only in the presence of natural killer cells in the immune system. This technique also reveals that the treatment works even at small doses and lowers risks of side- effects. It could replace surgery and radiotherapy.