Scientists at Mohammed VI Polytechnic University are pioneering a revolutionary approach to cancer treatment that could transform how doctors combat the disease that claims nearly 10 million lives annually worldwide. The Optics & Photonics Center team at UM6P is developing plasmonic photothermal therapy using gold nanoparticles to target and destroy cancer cells with precision.
Dr. Siham Refki, working alongside researcher Amina Badir under Prof. Zouheir Sekkat’s supervision, explains that the technique harnesses infrared light and nanotechnology to kill tumors without damaging healthy tissue. When gold nanoparticles are injected near cancer cells and exposed to infrared light, they heat up to 42-45°C, eliminating cancerous cells while sparing surrounding tissue.
Gold’s unique properties make it ideal for this application. The metal remains stable and biocompatible in the body, unlike copper or silver which oxidize. Its electrons resonate with specific light wavelengths through localized surface plasmon resonance, efficiently converting light into therapeutic heat. Researchers can also modify gold’s surface to attach molecules that specifically target cancer cells.
The therapy’s shape matters significantly. While spherical gold nanoparticles are easier to produce, nanorods and nanostars absorb infrared light more effectively, making them superior for treatment. International trials have shown promise, with Nanospectra Biosciences achieving 94% tumor ablation rates in prostate cancer patients using gold nanoshells.
Despite encouraging results, challenges remain before widespread clinical adoption. Researchers must address long-term safety concerns, develop standardized large-scale production protocols, and manage costs associated with medical-grade gold nanoparticles. The UM6P team is exploring “theranostic” approaches that combine diagnosis and treatment, potentially enabling earlier cancer detection alongside targeted therapy.
Dr. Refki envisions a future where light-based treatments could replace aggressive chemotherapy and radiation, offering patients more personalized and gentler care.
