Emily Day’s research group has published an invited perspective in ACS Nano that overviews nanoparticle-mediated photothermal therapy (PTT) and discusses recent insights into the mechanisms of cell death induced by this technique. PTT utilizes nanoparticles embedded within tumors to convert laser light energy into heat to ablate cancer cells. Depending on the laser irradiation conditions, PTT produces either necrosis or apoptosis, two distinct modes of cell death that impact therapy success differently. New information on the cellular signaling pathways involved in the PTT response provides researchers with a unique opportunity to enhance PTT’s successful elimination of cancer. Day recently received an ACCEL grant for breast cancer therapy using nanotechnology.
Day group publishes invited perspective
