Near-Infrared-Activated Organic Framework Suppresses Tumors in Mouse Models
Published in Journals, Nanomedicine.
Published October 25, 2026.
A study in Nature Communications reports an experimental light-activated material that suppressed tumors in female mice. Yu Xiao and colleagues developed a covalent organic framework built from thia-hexaphyrin units, designed to respond to near-infrared light.
Under 808-nanometre laser irradiation, the metal-free framework generated reactive oxygen species and heat. These combined photodynamic and photothermal effects were more effective than conventional porphyrin-based frameworks in the comparisons reported.
The researchers evaluated the material in 4T1 and CT26 tumor models. They report tumor suppression accompanied by immunogenic cell death and systemic antitumor immune responses.
The design addresses a limitation of many earlier frameworks, which require ultraviolet or visible light: the choice of activation wavelength can restrict phototherapy in tissue. However, responsiveness to near-infrared light alone does not establish effective treatment of deep human tumors.
These results are preclinical. Mouse tumor responses cannot establish patient benefit, and translation would require further investigation of light delivery, material distribution and clearance, dosing and safety. This study does not report a proven cancer treatment for people.
Source: Xiao et al., Nature Communications, October 19, 2026.