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Updated: Aug 8, 2026
Spatial and Temporal Control of Murine Melanoma Initiation from Mutant Melanocyte Stem Cells
Published on: June 7, 2019
Treatment of murine cutaneous melanoma with near infrared light
C Dees1, J Harkins, M G Petersen
1Photongen, Inc., Knoxville, TN 37931, USA.
Abstract:
Treatment of cutaneous melanoma (M-3 and B16-F10 implanted in mice) with rapidly-scanned, tightly-focused near infrared light elicits selective destruction of tumor tissue. A single laser treatment yielded complete eradication in >90% of B16-F10 tumors with thicknesses of approximately 3 mm; amelanotic M-3 tumors proved less responsive (ca 25% clearance rate). In addition to local tumor destruction, laser treatment of B16-F10 tumors in immunocompetent mice stimulated enhanced cytokine levels (interleukin-2 and interleukin-10) within treated tumor tissues and rejection of tumor cells upon a subsequent challenge dose. Such an antitumor immune response may lead to improved outcomes at both the treatment site and at sites of distant metastasis.
Insights
Near-infrared laser treatment selectively destroys melanoma tumors in mice, achieving over 90% eradication in B16-F10 models. This therapy also stimulates an anti-tumor immune response, potentially improving outcomes for cutaneous melanoma patients.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Biomedical Engineering
- Immunology
Background:
- Cutaneous melanoma is a significant health concern.
- Current treatments for melanoma have limitations.
- Novel therapeutic approaches are needed for effective melanoma treatment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of near-infrared (NIR) laser treatment for cutaneous melanoma in mouse models.
- To investigate the potential of NIR laser therapy to induce an anti-tumor immune response.
Main Methods:
- Treatment of M-3 and B16-F10 melanoma tumors implanted in mice using rapidly-scanned, tightly-focused NIR light.
- Assessment of tumor destruction rates and analysis of cytokine levels (interleukin-2 and interleukin-10) in treated tissues.
- Evaluation of tumor cell rejection following a subsequent challenge dose in immunocompetent mice.
Main Results:
- A single NIR laser treatment achieved complete eradication in over 90% of B16-F10 tumors (approx. 3 mm thickness).
- Amelanotic M-3 tumors showed a lower clearance rate of approximately 25%.
- Laser treatment of B16-F10 tumors stimulated enhanced cytokine levels and promoted rejection of tumor cells, indicating an immune response.
Conclusions:
- NIR laser treatment is a promising method for selective destruction of cutaneous melanoma tumors.
- The induced anti-tumor immune response suggests potential for treating both local and metastatic melanoma.
- Further research into NIR laser therapy could lead to improved clinical outcomes for melanoma patients.
