OSU Nanoparticles Enable Low-Power Laser Melanoma Ablation

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Researchers at Oregon State University have developed a novel nanoparticle platform that can effectively ablate melanoma tumors in mice using a low-power near-infrared laser. The particles, which are coated with a dye and an iron-cobalt shell, are able to convert the light energy into localized heat that destroys the tumor tissue while leaving surrounding healthy cells largely unharmed. While still in early preclinical stages, the technology holds promise as a less invasive alternative to surgical tumor removal.

Why it matters

Melanoma is an aggressive form of skin cancer that accounts for a disproportionate number of skin cancer deaths. Current treatment options often involve wide surgical excisions, which can be highly invasive. The OSU nanoparticle platform offers the potential for a less invasive photothermal therapy approach that could provide an alternative to surgery for some melanoma patients.

The details

The nanoparticles developed by the OSU team are composed of a gold nanorod core wrapped in an iron-cobalt shell and packed with a near-infrared dye. This design allows the particles to efficiently convert near-infrared light into localized heat, reaching temperatures high enough to ablate tumor tissue. In mouse studies, a single low-power laser treatment at 0.25 watts per square centimeter was able to completely destroy melanoma tumors with minimal damage to surrounding healthy tissue.

• The research was conducted at Oregon State University's College of Pharmacy in 2026.
• The nanoparticle platform is currently in early preclinical development, with the researchers estimating that clinical trials could be anywhere from 1 to 10 years away depending on additional testing and regulatory approval.

What they’re saying

What’s next

The researchers say safety and regulatory testing are next on the docket. Planned follow-up animal studies will look at how the nanoparticles distribute through the body, what they do to the immune system and whether there are any long-term safety red flags before the team seeks approval for human testing.