Photo-Immunotherapy: Using Near-Infrared Light to Kill Cancer Cells

This animation was produced by the U.S. National Cancer Institute (NCI). Near-infrared photo-immunotherapy works on the principle of conjugating cancer cells with light-absorbing compounds. Upon exposure to near-infrared light, the conjugate bound to the cancer cells expands and ruptures, causing the cancer cells to die. This concept is perhaps best understood by watching the animation rather than reading a description.

Near-infrared photo-immunotherapy (NIR-PIT) uses antibody-photoabsorber conjugates that selectively bind to cancer cells. When activated by near-infrared light, these conjugates trigger rapid and selective destruction of target cells while sparing surrounding healthy tissue. This therapy has shown promising results in clinical trials and represents an important advance in targeted cancer treatment.

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