Researchers have developed a flexible, breathable skin patch that can effectively target and destroy melanoma cancer cells while sparing healthy tissue. The innovative device uses laser-induced graphene embedded with copper(II) oxide nanoparticles within a soft silicone (PDMS) matrix. The patch remains inactive until gently heated to about 108°F (42°C) with a low-power laser, at which point it releases copper ions directly into the tumor.
In preclinical mouse studies, the “heat-and-release” patch reduced melanoma lesions by 97% within just 10 days after two one-hour treatments. Beyond shrinking the primary tumor, the patch triggered multiple forms of programmed cell death (including apoptosis, cuproptosis, and ferroptosis), reduced cancer cell migration, and stimulated an immune response that helped prevent metastasis. Importantly, it showed no significant damage to surrounding healthy skin and avoided harmful copper accumulation in major organs.
The patch is stretchable, transparent, reusable, and easy to apply, making it a potentially convenient and less invasive alternative to traditional surgical excision for skin cancer.
While the results are highly encouraging, the technology is still in the early experimental stage and requires further testing before human clinical use.
[Xu X, Cheng L, Li B, et al. A Stretchable, Transparent, Photothermally Stimulated Laser-Induced Graphene Patch for Noninvasive Skin Tumor Treatment. ACS Nano. 2026. DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.5c21102]