Physicists from the University of Copenhagen and doctors from Copenhagen University Hospital, Rigshospitalet, are investigating whether nanoparticles and laser light can replace chemotherapy in the treatment of malignant tumors.

Researchers have found that when laser light strikes nanoparticles placed in a malignant tumor, the particles can get so hot that they burn the tumor away.

While the results from tests on mice were promising, other factors have to be investigated, such as how different nanoparticles react to laser light. Tests on humans could take place in about three years.

The interdisciplinary project called  “Laser-activated nanoparticles for tumour elimination, LANTERN,”  was granted DKK 14.5 million by the Novo Nordisk Foundation.