The scientists at the University of East Anglia (UEA) in the UK are one step closer to creating a new generation of photo-activated cancer therapy. This therapy works by turning on the "LED light" embedded near the tumor, and then activating the biological therapy drugs. This treatment will be highly targeted and more effective than the most advanced cancer immunotherapy at present. The latest paper published in Nature · Chemical Biology explained the principle behind this innovative idea and showed how the research team designed antibody fragments. These antibody fragments are not only "fused" with their target, but also activated by light. This means that in the future, immunotherapy can attack tumors more accurately than ever before. The chief scientist of this research Amit Sahedwa, a doctor from UEA School of Chemistry, said: "The current cancer treatment methods, such as chemotherapy, will kill cancer cells, but also damage healthy cells in the body, such as blood and skin cells. This will cause side effects, including hair loss, fatigue and discomfort, and they will also increase the risk of infection in patients. Therefore, scientists are eager to create more targeted new therapies without side effects." At present, Scientists have developed several antibodies and antibody fragments to treat cancer. These antibodies have higher selectivity than cytotoxic drugs used in chemotherapy, but they still cause serious side effects because antibody targets also exist on healthy cells. Now, the UEA team has designed the first batch of antibody fragments, which can combine with its target and form covalent bonds under the irradiation of specific wavelength ultraviolet light. The researchers said that the covalent bond is like fusing two pieces of plastic together. In this way, the drug molecules can be permanently fixed on the tumor. The researchers hope that this research will promote the development of a new type of highly targeted photo-responsive biotherapy. The antibody can be activated at the tumor site and attached to the target in a covalent manner when activated by light. In other words, tumor cells can be attacked by irradiating and activating antibodies. For skin cancer, either directly irradiate the skin, or use a light-emitting substance like a small LED lamp that can be implanted in the tumor part of the body. This will make cancer treatment more effective and targeted, because only molecules near the tumor will be activated, without affecting other cells. Researchers said that this might reduce side effects and prolong the residence time of antibodies in the body. It is effective for skin cancer or solid tumor, but not for blood cancer. If the next phase of research is successful, they hope to see the next generation of photo-activated immunotherapy used to treat cancer within 5-10 years. (Xinhua News Agency)