Nanoointment to Combat Skin Cancer

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A group of Brazilian researchers has developed a nanomaterials-based ointment to treat skin cancer in its early and intermediate stages.

The team of researchers at the Universidad de São Paulo, responsible for development, has tested the product in three Brazilian hospitals during a year, giving some very encouraging results.

Nanomaterials of ointment bind selectively to cancer cells, after which a laser light is applied to generate a series of chemical reactions.

This technique has a lower toxicity, remaining in the body significantly less time than other alternatives. This photodynamic therapy is not effective against more aggressive tumours such as malignant melanomas and should be subjected to another series of tests prior to marketing.