New Optical Properties of Tumors May Revolutionize Breast Cancer Treatment
Ultra-Precise Microthermometers From Russia Will Increase Effectiveness of Cancer Therapy
Researchers from Russia’s Saratov State University (SSU) have identified new optical properties of cancerous tumors in breast tissue. According to the authors, light penetrates malignant cells nearly twice as effectively as healthy ones. This discovery holds the potential to enhance breast cancer diagnosis and treatment in women through optical methods. The findings are published in the Journal of Biophotonics.Breast cancer is characterized by the uncontrolled division of malignant cells within breast tissue, forming a tumor. According to WHO data, 2.3 million women were diagnosed with breast cancer in 2022, making it the most common type of cancer among women globally.One of the most promising cancer treatments today is laser therapy – an optical method that selectively destroys tumor cells using light without damaging surrounding healthy tissue. This is achieved by introducing special drugs or nanoparticles into the tumor that absorb light, according to the researchers at Saratov State University. Optical diagnostic methods can distinguish healthy cells from cancerous ones based on their optical characteristics. As breast cancer progresses, it alters the structure and composition of the tissue, affecting its absorption, scattering, and refractive properties.
Beyond PoliticsRussian Scientists Pioneer Low-Toxicity Drug for Aggressive Brain Cancer15 November, 07:44 GMTTo improve optical diagnostics and laser therapy methods, researchers often use specialized breast tumor models grown in mice.”The model we studied closely resembles human breast cancer in its characteristics. It is highly aggressive and, unlike most tumor models, can metastasize. This explains its widespread use in experimental oncology,” Elina Genina, Professor at the Department of Optics and Biophotonics and head of the study, explained. The researchers from SSU have found that changes in the structure and composition of tumor tissue significantly reduce scattering compared to healthy tissue, increasing light penetration depth by 1.5 to 2 times.”We conducted a comparative analysis of healthy and malignant breast tissue in laboratory mice using modern optical methods. We calculated the primary optical characteristics in the visible and near-infrared spectral ranges and found significant differences in certain spectral regions. Specifically, light scattering in tumor tissue is lower than in healthy tissue, resulting in greater light penetration depth. This potentially enhances the effectiveness of laser treatments,” Prof. Genina said.She added that these findings could improve breast cancer diagnostics in women through optical methods and allow for more precise laser therapy parameters. However, these aspects require further in-depth research.
RussiaRussian Scientists Develop ‘Perfect’ Molecules for Pharmacology15 October, 09:16 GMTThe results will be used to model the propagation of laser radiation in breast tissue. The researchers aim to develop light and heat distribution maps for photodynamic and plasmonic laser photothermal therapies.This study aligns with SSU’s strategic projects within the federal Priority-2030 program.
