Nanotechnology to improve cancer detection

A team of researchers from New York University in Abu Dhabi has developed an innovative nanotechnology that could significantly improve cancer detection and treatment. The study, published in the scientific journal Cell Reports Physical Science, describes a system capable of attacking tumors precisely, reducing the impact on healthy cells.

The strategy is based on the photothermal therapywhich uses light to generate heat inside tumors and kill cancer cells. To achieve this, scientists created biocompatible and biodegradable nanoparticles containing a dye activated by near infrared lightcapable of penetrating deeply into the body and reaching tumors located far from the surface.

One of the main innovations of this system is that the nanoparticles are made of hydroxyapatitea mineral naturally present in bones and teeth, and coated with lipids and polymers.

This design allows them remain in the blood circulation longer and evade the immune system responseincreasing the effectiveness of the treatment. Additionally, they include a peptide sensitive to the acidic environment of tumorswhich facilitates its selective entry into cancer cells and protects healthy tissues.

Online now: Tumor-targeted hydroxyapatite nanoparticles for near-infrared II light-mediated dual-mode diagnostic imaging and photothermal cancer therapy https://t.co/91WqoPFTs6

— Cell Reports Physical Science (@CellRepPhysSci) January 14, 2026

When activated with near-infrared light, the particles generate localized heat that destroys tumor tissue and, at the same time, emit fluorescent and thermal signals that allow monitor treatment effect in real time.

“Our approach combines diagnosis and therapy in a single safe and biodegradable system,” explains Mazin Magzoublead author of the study. “This opens the door to more precise treatments with fewer side effects than conventional methods,” he adds.

The results of this research represent an important step towards safer, more precise and patient-tailored cancer therapies, offering hope for those seeking less aggressive alternatives to chemotherapy, radiotherapy or surgery.