Recent advances in nanomedicine have been paving the way for a new form of cancer treatment known as Photodynamic-Chemodynamic Therapy (PDT-CDT). In this treatment, a combination of light and drugs are used to target and kill cancer cells. Now, researchers at the University of California, Irvine have developed a nanocomposite that boosts PDT-CDT efficacy.

This new nanocomposite utilizes near-infrared (NIR-II) light to improve PDT-CDT efficacy. NIR-II light is able to penetrate deep into tissue, allowing it to reach cancer cells that are located at deeper depths than what is possible with traditional PDT-CDT treatments. The nanocomposite incorporates gold nanoparticles, silica shells, and photosensitizers, which act together to absorb and convert NIR-II light into heat. This heat then activates the photosensitizers, which then generate reactive oxygen species that target and kill cancer cells.

This new nanocomposite has the potential to revolutionize cancer treatment. With its ability to reach deeper depths and increase PDT-CDT efficacy, this nanocomposite could be a powerful tool in helping to combat cancer.

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source: Phys.org