Heat-activated skin patch can kill melanoma cells without surgery
Medical Xpress • • health
Key Points:
- Researchers have developed a noninvasive, heat-activated patch containing copper ions that targets and kills melanoma cells without harming surrounding healthy tissue.
- The patch is made from laser-induced graphene filled with copper(II) oxide and embedded in a stretchy silicone polymer, releasing copper ions when warmed to 108°F (42°C).
- In laboratory tests, the activated patch killed most melanoma cells and slowed their movement, suggesting potential to prevent cancer spread.
- A 10-day study on mice showed the patch reduced melanoma lesions by 97% and prevented cancer cell migration, with no copper accumulation in organs or blood.
- The research team believes this reusable, easy-to-administer patch could become a safe and effective targeted treatment for melanoma in humans.
