Researchers develop light-activated chemotherapy to target tumours

Research teams from Styria and Hungary have developed a chemotherapy treatment designed to target cancer more precisely, ORF reported. The researchers say the approach could reduce the treatment’s side effects by using light to activate the medication.

The drug’s active ingredient is first masked with a protective covering. The covering is removed when exposed to light, allowing the medication to take effect.

According to the Medical University of Graz, the cancer drug can be activated through irradiation directly at the tumour. “This could allow chemotherapy drugs to be used much more precisely in future,” project leader Linda Waldherr said. The aim is to target tumour cells specifically.

Tests show slower tumour growth

The method was developed by a Hungarian research team, while the next stage of the research is taking place in Graz. Researchers there are conducting tests designed to replicate conditions inside the body.

Initial findings indicated that tumours grew more slowly, cancer cells divided less often and their growth eventually stopped. The tests were conducted on the well-blooded membrane of fertilised chicken eggs, which the Medical University of Graz said allows new active substances to be tested quickly and reliably.

The researchers said the light-activated chemotherapy could help make cancer treatments more effective and better tolerated.