New treatment method destroyed 92% of skin cancer cells and 50% of colorectal cancer cells in just 30 minutes
Cancer is the second leading cause of death worldwide. Scientists are searching for effective treatments. The new method combines LED light with tiny tin-based nanoplates. This therapy selectively kills cancer cells without harming healthy ones. The study was conducted by researchers from the University of Texas at Austin and the University of Porto and published in ACS Nano.
This discovery makes light-based therapy more accessible by replacing expensive materials and specialized labs with affordable LED technology. Unlike lasers, LED light does not damage healthy tissue.
The team created a special anti-cancer material called “SnOx nanoplates” (Sn being the chemical symbol for tin). Tests showed that within 30 minutes, the method destroyed up to 92% of skin cancer cells and 50% of colorectal cancer cells, with no harm to healthy cells.
Researchers say the approach is safe and innovative, without the painful side effects of chemotherapy. Next, they plan to study how the material reacts to light and heat and to find other suitable catalysts, aiming to develop devices that make this treatment accessible to doctors and patients, especially in resource-limited areas.
