Breast Cancer Treatment Developed by ATS Staff

  Development of a nonsurgical treatment for breast cancer is under way at ORNL. This treatment was primarily developed by Eric Wachterand Walt Fisherof the Life Sciences Division, Assessment Technology Section, in collaboration with Craig Dees, formerly of the Risk Analysis Section.

  The method involves using laser light delivered a couple of photons at a time and focused on a tumor which has been tagged with a previously ingested pharmaceutical. The resulting chemical reaction disables the DNA of the cancerous cells and prevents further reproduction. Research is still in the early stages and is currently aimed at developing suitable pharmaceuticals and testing in animals.

Contact: Eric Wachter
Telephone: 423-574-6248
E-mail: eeh@ornl.gov