Laser-induced Thermal Ablation of Cancerous Cell Organelles

Abstract

Aim: By exploiting the physical changes experienced by cancerous organelles, we investigate the feasibility of destroying cancerous cells by single and multipulse modes of laser heating. Materials & methods: Our procedure consists of two primary steps: determining the normal and cancerous organelles optical properties and simulating the heating of all of the major organelles in the cell to find the treatment modes for the laser ablation of cancerous organelles without harming healthy cells. Results & conclusion: Our simulations show that the cancerous nucleus can be selectively heated to damaging temperatures, making this nucleus a feasible therapeutic particle and removing the need for nanoparticle injection. Because of the removal of this extra step, the procedure we propose is simpler and safer for the patient.

Lay abstract

Aim: Modern cancer treatment uses x-rays, γ-rays and charged particles to damage DNA in healthy and cancerous cells. The authors theorize a possible method for selective treatment to damage only cancerous cells using light from the visible range. Conclusion: By taking advantage of the absorption spectrum of nuclei as well as the increase in size from healthy organelles to cancerous organelles, one can design purely optical treatments for cancer through repeated pulses of visible light. Paper concludes with pulse patterns designed for the purpose of experimental testing, exposing theoretical avenues of treatment which do not damage healthy cells.

Keywords:

• cancer treatment
• Mie absorption theory
• organelle laser heating
• photothermal therapy

Author contributions

RR Letfullin & SA Szatkowski were involved in conception of treatment, numerical modeling and drafting of the paper.

Financial & competing interests disclosure

The authors have no relevant affiliations or financial involvement with any organization or entity with a financial interest in or financial conflict with the subject matter or materials discussed in the manuscript. This includes employment, consultancies, honoraria, stock ownership or options, expert testimony, grants or patents received or pending, or royalties.

No writing assistance was utilized in the production of this manuscript.

Ethical conduct of research

The authors state that they have obtained appropriate institutional review board approval or have followed the principles outlined in the Declaration of Helsinki for all human or animal experimental investigations. In addition, for investigations involving human subjects, informed consent has been obtained from the participants involved.