Light Switch Wakes Dormant Cancer Cells for Treatment

Scientists at ETH Zurich developed a light-controlled molecular switch to destroy receptors in dormant cancer cells ^[1]. These receptors typically trigger a survival state that helps tumors resist standard treatments ^[1]. By disabling this mechanism, the researchers can make stubborn cells vulnerable to therapy again ^[1].

The breakthrough allows for highly selective treatment of diseased tissue ^[1]. This method protects healthy cells while targeting the "sleeping" cells that often lead to cancer relapse ^[1]. Future therapies may use this tool to improve patient outcomes for resistant cancers ^[1].