Late-stage cancer treatments often involve aggressive interventions like chemotherapy, radiation, and surgery. While these approaches can be effective, they frequently come with severe side effects that diminish a patient’s quality of life. For many, these treatments may only slow tumor growth without completely eliminating cancer cells, leaving patients vulnerable to recurrence. However, researchers at MIT have developed a dual-therapy approach that could transform how aggressive tumors are treated.
This novel treatment combines phototherapy with chemotherapy, using specially designed microparticles that are implanted directly into the tumor. The details of this innovative method were published in ACS Nano and can be explored further in this article.
Unlike traditional intravenous chemotherapy, which circulates through the entire body, this technique delivers the drug locally. By embedding particles containing molybdenum disulfide nanosheets and chemotherapy agents within the tumor, the treatment minimizes systemic exposure and reduces side effects. The particles are then activated externally using a near-infrared laser, generating localized heat to destroy tumor cells and release chemotherapy drugs simultaneously.
In studies conducted on mice with aggressive triple-negative breast cancer, this method showed remarkable results. The tumors were completely eradicated in most cases, and the animals experienced significantly prolonged survival compared to those treated with chemotherapy or phototherapy alone. The process involves short, three-minute laser sessions spaced three days apart, optimizing drug release and thermal effects without harming surrounding tissue.
Machine learning played a critical role in refining this approach. Algorithms were used to determine the ideal laser power, exposure time, and particle concentration to maximize efficacy while minimizing risks. This precise control allows for repeated activation of the particles without requiring multiple injections, simplifying the treatment process.
The microparticles themselves are made of FDA-approved biocompatible materials, which could speed up regulatory approvals for human trials. Researchers believe this method may be effective against a variety of solid tumors, including metastatic cancers, opening up new possibilities for patients who currently have limited options.
As cancer treatments evolve, approaches like this offer hope for safer, more effective therapies that target tumors directly while sparing healthy tissue. Further studies in larger animal models and eventual clinical trials will determine how soon this technology can be applied to human patients. For now, the results provide a compelling glimpse into the future of cancer therapy.