Journal of Undergraduate Research
Keywords
cancer treatment, A2DA, A2NOON, chemotherapeutic drugs
College
Physical and Mathematical Sciences
Department
Chemistry and Biochemistry
Abstract
Despite the enormous amounts of time and money spent to research effective cures for cancer—the second leading cause of death in the United States —little is known today about how to kill cancer cells without harming normal cells. Current traditional forms of cancer treatment are chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and invasive surgery. However, the challenge with such treatments is they do not discriminate between normal cells and cancerous cells; these therapies struggle to balance toxicity and efficiency. In comparison, photodynamic therapy (PDT) offers a more favorable alternative to traditional methods of cancer treatment. In PDT drugs, called photosensitizers, are activated through specific wavelengths of light in a localized region, resulting in an irreversible photodamage to tumor tissues.
Recommended Citation
Koontz, Jeremy and Vollmer-Snarr, Dr. Heidi
(2013)
"A Trojan horse approach to cancer treatment: A2DA and A2NOON as Potential Triggered and Targeting Chemotherapeutic Drugs,"
Journal of Undergraduate Research: Vol. 2013:
Iss.
1, Article 2569.
Available at:
https://scholarsarchive.byu.edu/jur/vol2013/iss1/2569