Scientists create "smart bomb" to target cancer 🎯

Researchers have developed innovative compounds capable of precisely targeting cancer cells when activated by light. This approach, successfully tested on mice, offers promising prospects for aggressive cancers.


Photodynamic therapy (PDT), used for decades against certain cancers, could see a breakthrough thanks to this work. Scientists combined cyanine-carborane salts, molecules sensitive to infrared light, to eliminate tumors while preserving healthy tissue.

A precise and less toxic mechanism

The developed salts exploit a unique feature of cancer cells: the overexpression of OATP proteins. These proteins specifically capture the compounds, eliminating the need for additional targeting agents. Once activated by light, the salts generate destructive oxygen molecules for tumors.

Unlike conventional photosensitizers, these salts are rapidly eliminated from the body. Patients would no longer need to avoid light for months after treatment, a major drawback of current therapies. Tests on mouse models show a significant reduction in side effects.

Activation by infrared light also enables the treatment of deep-seated tumors. This wavelength penetrates tissues better than visible light, expanding the scope of PDT.

Potential for broader applications

Researchers are exploring ways to adapt these salts to other energy sources, such as ultrasound, to target even deeper cancers. This flexibility could extend their use to other hard-to-treat conditions.

Preclinical results, published in Angewandte Chemie, show complete eradication of metastatic breast tumors in mice. The compounds also act on cancer cell migration mechanisms, reducing the risk of spread.

The multidisciplinary team highlights the importance of this discovery for triple-negative breast cancers, often resistant to conventional treatments. Next steps include trials on other cancer types and protocol optimization.