Photo-Immunotherapy: Using Near-Infrared Light to Kill Cancer Cells
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This article is a summary of international medical information and is not medical advice; it cannot replace the diagnosis or treatment plan of your attending physician. The medical technologies, drug information and clinical data presented here are compiled from public literature and official statements of major Japanese medical institutions; the applicability and outcome of any therapy vary with each patient and must be assessed individually by a qualified physician.
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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