A New Method for Cancer Treatment Discovered

Russian and foreign scientists have developed selenium-based compounds that are more effective than gold particles during laser therapy. Specialists from Perm Polytechnic University and the Moscow Research Center, in collaboration with international partners, have synthesized new nanoparticles based on selenium compounds combined with tungsten and palladium.

This development is intended for laser photothermal therapy, where particles injected into the tumor heat up under infrared radiation, effectively destroying cancer cells from the inside out. Researchers have found that these new materials are inherently more accessible and safer than the currently used gold or silver alternatives.

The scientific team clarified that tumor tissues are more sensitive to high temperatures due to the chaotic arrangement of blood vessels, which impedes heat dissipation. The newly developed spherical particles are synthesized in an aqueous environment without the use of toxic stabilizers. This is a significant advantage, as traditional precious metals often involve hazardous substances to prevent particle agglomeration.

The effectiveness of the new nanoparticles in converting light into heat reaches up to 81%. The tungsten-based compounds enable targeted and controllable heating, which is immensely important when treating tumors located near vital organs, nerves, or major vessels. Thanks to their spherical structure, these particles can easily move with the bloodstream and penetrate the tumor without damaging healthy tissues.

Currently, the technology is in the laboratory testing phase.