Scientists of the Faculty of Chemistry of the University of Gdańsk have developed a radiosensitizer for use in radiotherapy. It will allow to increase the effectiveness of radiotherapy and minimize its negative effects. The device has been patented.
Radiotherapy is one of the main methods of combating the so-called solid tumors. However, ionizing radiation used in radiotherapy leads to many side effects and complications. One of the methods of increasing the effectiveness of radiation therapy and minimizing its negative effects is the use of radiosensitizers – chemical compounds that sensitize cancer cells to ionizing radiation.
– The final effect of using the sensitizer is DNA damage, leading to the death of cancer cells – says Prof. Janusz Rak, scientist of the Department of Physical Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, University of Gdańsk.
