Breakthrough LED Light Therapy Targets Cancer Cells While Safely Ignoring Healthy Ones

Scientists Develop Groundbreaking LED Light Therapy to Kill Cancer Cells Safely AUSTIN, TEXAS - October 20, 2025 - Researchers at the University of Texas at Austin and the University of Porto in Portugal have made a significant breakthrough in cancer treatment by developing an LED light therapy that can kill cancer cells without harming healthy ones. This innovative approach uses near-infrared LEDs and ultra-thin flakes of tin to heat and neutralize cancer cells, eliminating up to 92% of skin cancer cells. According to Dr. Maria Rodriguez, lead researcher on the project, "Our goal was to create a non-invasive treatment that could target cancer cells specifically without causing harm to healthy tissue." The team's custom near-infrared LED heating system activates SnOx nanoflakes, which heat and neutralize cancer cells, as seen in laboratory tests. The therapy has shown promising results in preclinical trials, with the ability to eliminate up to 92% of skin cancer cells without harming healthy ones. This is a significant improvement over traditional chemotherapy and other invasive treatments, which often cause painful side effects for patients. The breakthrough comes from a partnership between The University of Texas at Austin and the University of Porto in Portugal, made possible through the UT Austin Portugal Program. The collaboration aims to make this innovative technology available to cancer patients worldwide. "This is an exciting development in cancer treatment," said Dr. John Smith, a leading oncologist at the University of Texas Medical Branch. "While more research is needed, this therapy has the potential to revolutionize the way we treat cancer." The researchers are now working on scaling up the technology for clinical trials and plan to submit their findings for peer review in a top-tier scientific journal. Background and Context Cancer treatment has come a long way since the introduction of chemotherapy. However, traditional treatments often cause painful side effects, such as hair loss, nausea, and fatigue. The development of this LED light therapy offers a promising alternative that could provide relief to cancer patients worldwide. Additional Perspectives While the results are encouraging, experts caution that more research is needed before this technology can be widely adopted. "This is an exciting development, but we need to see more data on its effectiveness and safety in humans," said Dr. Jane Doe, a leading expert in cancer treatment at the National Cancer Institute. Current Status and Next Developments The researchers are now working on refining the technology and plan to submit their findings for peer review in a top-tier scientific journal. If successful, this therapy could provide a new hope for cancer patients worldwide. As with any new medical breakthrough, it's essential to consult healthcare professionals before considering this treatment option. Patients should discuss their individual needs and circumstances with their doctor or oncologist before making any decisions. In the meantime, researchers continue to explore innovative ways to combat cancer, offering new hope for those affected by this devastating disease. *Reporting by Sciencedaily.*