The future of medical treatments is on the rise. Cancer has been affecting lives for years now and with a new approach using a light-activated metal this could change. Until now, there has been use of chemotherapy, radiation therapy and immunotherapy. These ways focus on fighting cancer cells by using the body’s own defense system. It has only been a matter of time before scientists are able to find new ways to get rid of tumors.
Researchers from the University of Warwick in the U.K. have been studying possibilities. Results they have found show a new approach called photodynamic therapy. This uses light particles to activate chemical compounds that could be active against cancers. This is possible as scientists were able to show that a compound of the metal iridium can cause cancer cells to destruct. Click here for more details on these findings have been outlined.
In short, this is how it works. Iridium attached with albumin is present in blood and can turn on oxidizing species in cancer cells. When activated by light beams it can cause the cancer cells to self destruct. This is possible because the oxidizing species are lethal oxygen molecules.
In conclusion, cancer treatments are becoming more advanced and eventually will not be such a tragic encounter in our lives.
Cohut, Maria. “How a Light-Activated Metal Could Destroy Cancer Cells.” Medical News Today, MediLexicon International, 4 Feb. 2019, www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/324359.php.
