Innovative Tumor Therapy Reduces Costs and Side Effects, Enhancing Accessibility

Radiation therapy has long been a cornerstone in cancer treatment, utilizing ionizing radiation to damage the DNA of tumor cells with the aim of eradicating the malignancy. However, traditional methods often pose challenges in targeting tumors precisely without harming surrounding healthy tissue, especially when treating internal tumors. Addressing this limitation, researchers from Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT) and the German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) have pioneered a novel approach involving high-intensity laser-driven electron acceleration.

This new technique employs powerful laser light to accelerate electrons to nearly the speed of light within a very short distance. These electrons are then directed straight at the tumor, allowing for highly targeted irradiation that minimizes damage to adjacent healthy tissues. Remarkably, this method could reduce the size of radiation devices from about a meter to less than a millimeter—making them almost as small as a hair.

The miniaturized device could be inserted into the body via an endoscope, enabling direct and precise tumor irradiation from within. Such internal treatment could be performed with a single high-dose pulse, potentially completing therapy in one session. Early studies suggest that this method also stimulates the immune system, enhancing its response against metastases.

A key goal of the research team is to develop a compact, portable irradiation unit that requires less space, energy, and maintenance than current equipment. This innovation could significantly reduce costs and infrastructure demands, making radiation therapy more accessible worldwide, especially in low-resource settings where high costs and complex infrastructure limit treatment options.

Over the next two years, the team plans to produce a demonstration device, collaborating with industry partners to move toward preclinical trials and eventual clinical use. If successful, this technology could revolutionize cancer treatment by making precise, effective radiation therapy affordable and widely available, thereby increasing access for patients globally.

Source: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-04-tumor-therapy-approach-side-effects.html