Terahertz Photons Inhibit Cancer Cells Long Term by Suppressing Nano Telomerase Activity

Area of Science:

• Biophysics
• Nanotechnology
• Cancer Research

Background:

• Telomeres protect chromosomes, and telomerase enables cancer cell immortality.
• Current telomerase inhibitors face challenges like drug resistance and cytotoxicity.
• A non-drug, non-invasive approach is needed for cancer therapy.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate terahertz (THz) modulation as a novel strategy for cancer treatment by inhibiting telomerase activity.
• To evaluate the efficacy of 33 THz photon irradiation in suppressing cancer cell proliferation and tumor growth.

Main Methods:

• Molecular dynamics simulations and frequency filtering experiments to identify optimal THz frequency.
• In vitro studies on 4T1 and MCF-7 cancer cells to assess telomerase activity inhibition.
• In vivo studies in mice to evaluate the effect of THz irradiation on tumor growth.

Main Results:

• 33 THz photon irradiation significantly inhibited telomerase activity in vitro (77-80% reduction).
• THz treatment induced cancer cell aging, apoptosis, and DNA damage via telomere crisis.
• In vivo studies showed a 70% decrease in 4T1 tumor growth after 21 days of THz irradiation.

Conclusions:

• Terahertz modulation is a promising non-drug, non-invasive strategy for cancer therapy.
• Targeting telomerase activity with THz waves offers a novel approach to cancer treatment.
• This study highlights the potential of THz waves in nanotherapy for cancer treatment.