Drugs that can kill cancer cells also kill normal cells, but a new technique using tiny light emitting diodes (LEDs) promises to help drugs target just cancer cells. The new procedure involves injecting a special chemical into tumors, followed by injecting LEDs.
A Washington firm, Light Sciences Oncology, is currently in midstage trials of the new procedure. The treatment begins with the injection into the tumor of a photosensitive chemical derived from chlorophyll, which by itself is largely innocuous. However, when the chemical is exposed to red light from the LEDs, it transfers energy to an oxygen molecule and splits it, causing damage to tumors and the blood vessels that supply it. MORE....
No comments:
Post a Comment