London: Here's some good news for those suffering from breast cancer -- scientists have developed what they claim is a new treatment that could destroy tumours with a blast of laser light.
In fact, a team of British surgeons has developed the revolutionary treatment for breast cancer, which involves no surgery, and can be carried out in only a few minutes and doesn't harm healthy cells.
Breast cancer surgeon Mo Keshtgar, who led the team at the Royal Free Hospital, said, "The key appeal is that it attacks and destroys cancer cells while retaining viability of the surrounding normal cells. Breast cancer can be particularly traumatic, with more invasive treatments leaving physical and emotional scars. Our treatment will keep the structure of the connective tissue intact, meaning the breast doesn't become deformed."
The researchers plan to start clinical trials of the "photodynamic therapy" on 20 patients this year. During PDT, a drug is injected into the patient's bloodstream that makes the cancer cells extremely sensitive to light.
According to them, when a low-level laser beam is shone at the cancer through the skin, the cells self-destruct -- it could even offer an alternative to radiotherapy for some women, the 'Daily Mail' reported.