The Ministry of Science, ICT, and Future Planning reported that Professor MIN Dal-Hee from the Department of Chemistry at SNU led a team of researchers to develop nanomaterial that aids the photosensitization process used in cancer treatment.

Certain types of cancer treatments employ photodynamic therapy, wherein photic sensors are injected into the areas surrounding the cancer cell. Upon receiving the rays, the sensors emit active oxygen to kill the cancer cells.

In current practice, the photic sensors remain after treatment in the surrounding normal tissue and cause unnecessary damage when exposed to sunlight. However, this new photic sensor and nanomaterial complex enter the cancer cell directly and create greater anti-cancer effects. It only requires one-tenth of the original dosage, and the photic sensors also self-destruct after the treatment so they cannot cause further damage.

The research has passed animal testing and clinical trials. It is expected to be released into the market for anti-cancer drugs. It will especially be helpful for skin cancer, lung cancer, esophagus cancer, cervical cancer, and other intractable cancers.