Let There Be Light!

A team of scientists, from the UK, Poland and Sweden, have trialled photoimmunotherapy as a potential fifth cancer treatment (https://www.theguardian.com/society/2022/jun/17/scientists-harness-light-therapy-to-target-and-kill-cancer-cells-in-world-first). Photoimmunotherapy basically labels cancer cells so that they fluoresce (glow in the dark, when illuminated with particular wavelengths). The scientists studied the technique in mice with glioblastoma cells, that generate a type of brain cancer. Illuminating these microscopic cells, allowed surgeons to remove more of developing tumours. This would prevent a post-operative resurgence of the cancer. The technique seems to have lots of potential and will be trialled in the treatment of childhood brain cancers. The story illustrates the importance of cross-national team work. It suggests that the post-Brexit European science funding debacle should be sorted ASAP.