NYU Abu Dhabi researchers have created a groundbreaking nanoscale material that enhances the precision of cryosurgery, a procedure using extreme cold to treat cancer, by illuminating cancer cells and aiding surgeons in distinguishing them from healthy tissue.
Researchers at NYU Abu Dhabi (NYUAD) have unveiled a pioneering tool poised to transform the field of cancer treatment, particularly cryosurgery. This innovative technology, described in a study published in the Journal of the American Chemical Society, enhances surgeons’ ability to detect and remove cancer cells during cryosurgery — a procedure that leverages extreme cold to annihilate tumors.
The Trabolsi Research Group at NYUAD developed a unique nanoscale Covalent Organic Framework (COF), identified as nTG-DFP-COF. Designed to increase fluorescence under freezing conditions, this material enables clear differentiation between cancerous and healthy tissues during surgery.
Gobinda Das, a researcher in the Trabolsi Group, engineered this COF to be biocompatible and low in toxicity, ensuring safe interaction within the body.
Crucially, the material maintains its fluorescence amidst the ice crystals typically present during cryosurgery, facilitating real-time monitoring and enhancing the precision of the procedure.
“We believe this is a transformative tool that could revolutionize cancer surgery,” Farah Benyettou, a research scientist in the Trabolsi Research Group, said in a news release. “By making tumor removal more precise, this technology has the potential to reduce additional surgeries and accelerate patient recovery. It’s a major step forward in treating aggressive, hard-to-target cancers.”
Fluorescence imaging, a non-invasive method using light-sensitive dyes to highlight tumors, offers real-time insights but has seen limited application in cryosurgery — until now.
The integration of this imaging technique with cryosurgery promises to significantly enhance the accuracy and safety of the procedure, aiding in tissue preservation and reducing repeat surgeries.
“This breakthrough bridges the gap between imaging and therapy, providing surgeons with a real-time tool to visualize and remove cancer with unprecedented precision,” added Ali Trabolsi, a professor of chemistry and principal investigator of the Trabolsi Research Group. “By integrating fluorescence imaging with cryosurgery, we are pushing the boundaries of cancer treatment and offering new hope for patients with difficult-to-treat tumors.”
The potential impact of this advancement is profound, combining diagnostic and therapeutic functions into a single platform. This could streamline cancer treatment protocols, lowering health care costs and enhancing patient outcomes. The research marks a significant leap towards more effective and efficient cancer surgeries, particularly for aggressive and elusive cancers.
Source: NYU Abu Dhabi