Chemistry Professor Len Luyt part of Research Scientists Team in Fight Against Cancer
In a national multi-centre study, scientists at Western and Lawson Health Research Institute are working to create rare isotopes that will be used as an important tool to help treat cancer. Chemistry Professor Len Luyt amongst research scientists team.
Currently, radiation therapy is a staple in cancer treatment, with approximately 50 per cent of cancer patients receiving radiation at some point in their cancer journey. Although a very effective tool, traditional radiation therapies rely on intense beams of energy. These beams can kill cancer cells, but their use is limited to select locations, making them less suited for difficult-to-treat metastatic cancers that have spread to multiple sites.
“Cancer treatment has evolved over the years with targeted drugs that go straight to the cancer and advanced radiation therapy. However, radiation comes from an external source that can damage other areas in the body,” said Len Luyt, Western chemistry professor and Lawson scientist. “We are now working to advance treatment further by combining radiation and targeted drug therapy.”
