Washington, July 14 (SANA)Researchers led by scientists at Rice University have developed an experimental cancer treatment that destroys cancer cells by mechanically rupturing their membranes, offering a potential alternative to conventional therapies.

The findings, published in the peer-reviewed journal Nature Chemistry, describe a technique known as “Molecular Jackhammers.” Led by researcher Ciceron Ayala-Orozco under the supervision of chemist James M. Tour, the study investigated the use of aminocyanine molecules to target and eliminate cancer cells.

The method uses aminocyanine dyes, which are already employed in medical imaging. When exposed to near-infrared light, the molecules vibrate collectively at up to 40 trillion oscillations per second, generating mechanical forces capable of tearing apart cancer cell membranes.

Laboratory tests showed the technique eliminated about 99% of targeted cancer cells. The researchers also reported encouraging results in animal models, with some mice with melanoma achieving complete recovery after treatment.

Unlike conventional chemotherapy, which interferes with biological processes inside cells and may allow tumors to develop drug resistance, the new approach directly targets the structural integrity of cancer cell membranes, potentially making it more difficult for tumors to develop resistance.

The researchers cautioned that further studies and clinical trials are needed to evaluate the treatment’s safety and effectiveness in humans.