This month’s spotlight goes to A. Lepland and the teams at University of Tartu, Estonia and Veneto Institute of Oncology, Italy, who developed a new immunotherapy for triple negative breast cancer. This subtype of breast cancer is often very aggressive and notoriously difficult to treat as it lacks hormone receptors. In the new publication in Advanced Science, researchers developed a peptide-drug conjugate against tumor-promoting immune cells that suppress the immune response against tumor. The developed drug consists of immune cell-binding peptide, called MACTIDE, attached to a verteporfin photosensitizer. When activated with the Modulight ML6000-series laser, it slowed tumor growth and suppressed spread of cancer to the lungs, as well as activated immune cells to attack the tumor. The therapy unexpectedly showed efficacy even without light activation, likely relating to verteporfin-mediated inhibition of cell signaling relevant for cancer survival.

Modulight is very happy to be supporting this research. We would like to deliver our warmest congratulations to the research team!

Modulight products used:

ML6600 – High-power laser system with multi-wavelength support

Read more:

In-vitro and in-vivo illumination »

About Modulight’s LASER-SHARP RESEARCH concept:

Laser-Sharp Research is a concept where our scientific board highlights cutting-edge scientific research articles from our customers. Important selection criteria are that Modulight and laser product are mentioned in the publication, the impact and relevance of the results, clinical translatability, as well as scientific quality of the journal. The nominated research groups will be rewarded to encourage the great work done.