Scientists from Rice University have unveiled a groundbreaking cancer therapy that utilizes near-infrared light to destroy cancer cells via molecular vibrations. This innovative technique, which employs molecules dubbed "molecular jackhammers," has demonstrated remarkable effectiveness in laboratory settings, offering a promising new avenue in cancer treatment.
The research centers on the use of aminocyanine molecules, synthetic dyes commonly used in medical imaging. When exposed to near-infrared light, these molecules exhibit synchronized vibrations, known as plasmons, which cause the membranes of cancer cells to rupture. The study, published in Nature Chemistry, reported a 99% success rate in eliminating lab-cultured human melanoma cells. Furthermore, half of the mice with melanoma experienced complete remission following treatment.
Molecular Mechanism and Advantages
Rice chemist James Tour, who coined the term "molecular jackhammers," explained that these molecules operate at speeds over a million times faster than Nobel laureate Bernard Feringa's molecular motors and respond to near-infrared light. A key advantage of near-infrared light is its ability to penetrate deep within the body—up to 10 centimeters—without harming tissues, unlike visible light, which penetrates only about 0.5 centimeters.
Lead author Ciceron Ayala-Orozco noted that the aminocyanine molecules are biocompatible, water-stable, and have an affinity for attaching to the lipid layer of cells. The researchers found that the molecules' near-symmetrical structure, with an arm that anchors to the cell membrane's lipid bilayer, contributes to their effectiveness. "This is the first time a molecular plasmon is utilized in this way to excite the whole molecule and to actually produce mechanical action used to achieve a particular goal… in this case, tearing apart cancer cells' membrane," Ayala-Orozco stated.
Preclinical Efficacy and Future Directions
Time-dependent density functional theory analysis, conducted by researchers at Texas A&M University, further elucidated the molecular features responsible for the "jackhammering" effect. The findings indicate that this method of action differs from photodynamic or photothermal therapy, representing a novel approach to cancer treatment.
Broader Applications of Near-Infrared Light in Medicine
Beyond this breakthrough, near-infrared (NIR) light is increasingly used in various medical applications:
- Enhanced Tumor Imaging and Targeted Therapy: NIR light improves tumor visibility during surgery using fluorescent markers and enables targeted treatment with minimal damage to surrounding tissues.
- Non-Invasive Brain Imaging: Functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) monitors brain activity non-invasively, proving useful in detecting brain function changes due to injuries or conditions like epilepsy and dementia.
- Photobiomodulation Therapy (PBMT): NIR light reduces pain and inflammation and promotes wound healing and tissue repair, especially effective in managing chronic pain and sports injuries.
- Monitoring Blood Oxygen Levels in Newborns: NIR spectroscopy monitors blood oxygen levels in newborns' brains, crucial for detecting early signs of hypoxia.
- Drug Delivery and Controlled Release: NIR light triggers drug release in targeted areas, allowing precise control over the timing and location of drug delivery, with significant implications for cancer treatment.
This innovative cancer therapy offers a targeted and less invasive approach, potentially revolutionizing cancer treatment and providing renewed hope for patients and researchers.
