Researchers at Rice University, in collaboration with Texas A&M University and MD Anderson Cancer Center, have developed a groundbreaking cancer treatment that uses "molecular jackhammers" to destroy cancer cells using near-infrared light.
These jackhammers are specially engineered molecules—based on aminocyanine dyes commonly used in imaging—that bind to cancer cells.
When exposed to near-infrared (NIR) light, the molecules begin to vibrate intensely through a process called vibronic-driven action (VDA).
This mechanical vibration physically tears apart cancer cell membranes, effectively killing the cells without relying on heat or chemicals.
Unlike traditional treatments such as chemotherapy or radiation, this method offers a non-toxic and highly selective approach.
The molecules remain inactive until NIR light is applied, which means they only destroy the targeted cancer cells while sparing healthy tissue.
Because infrared light can penetrate up to 10 centimeters into the body, this technique can potentially treat tumors deep within internal organs—offering a new frontier for non-invasive cancer therapy.
Lab experiments have shown striking success: the vibrating molecules destroyed up to 99% of melanoma cancer cells in vitro.
In animal models, mice treated with the method experienced tumor shrinkage, and half of the mice became cancer-free. Since aminocyanine dyes are already FDA-approved for medical imaging, researchers believe this innovation could reach clinical trials within the next 5–7 years.
This technique stands out because it uses mechanical force—not heat, drugs, or radiation—to kill cancer cells, which reduces side effects and may limit the risk of resistance.
With further development, this method could transform cancer treatment by offering a precise, controllable, and less harmful therapy for various cancer types.
Researchers at Rice University, in collaboration with Texas A&M University and MD Anderson Cancer Center, have developed a groundbreaking cancer treatment that uses "molecular jackhammers" to destroy cancer cells using near-infrared light.
These jackhammers are specially engineered molecules—based on aminocyanine dyes commonly used in imaging—that bind to cancer cells.
When exposed to near-infrared (NIR) light, the molecules begin to vibrate intensely through a process called vibronic-driven action (VDA).
This mechanical vibration physically tears apart cancer cell membranes, effectively killing the cells without relying on heat or chemicals.
Unlike traditional treatments such as chemotherapy or radiation, this method offers a non-toxic and highly selective approach.
The molecules remain inactive until NIR light is applied, which means they only destroy the targeted cancer cells while sparing healthy tissue.
Because infrared light can penetrate up to 10 centimeters into the body, this technique can potentially treat tumors deep within internal organs—offering a new frontier for non-invasive cancer therapy.
Lab experiments have shown striking success: the vibrating molecules destroyed up to 99% of melanoma cancer cells in vitro.
In animal models, mice treated with the method experienced tumor shrinkage, and half of the mice became cancer-free. Since aminocyanine dyes are already FDA-approved for medical imaging, researchers believe this innovation could reach clinical trials within the next 5–7 years.
This technique stands out because it uses mechanical force—not heat, drugs, or radiation—to kill cancer cells, which reduces side effects and may limit the risk of resistance.
With further development, this method could transform cancer treatment by offering a precise, controllable, and less harmful therapy for various cancer types.
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