Could Light Make Cancer Treatment Safer? UNC Researchers Think So
- Jul 27
- 2 min read
Updated: 5 days ago
UNC-Chapel Hill researchers are developing a light-activated drug-delivery platform that releases cancer medication specifically at tumor sites to prevent the long-term side effects associated with conventional cancer therapy.
Chapel Hill, NC, July 27, 2026
For many cancer patients, beating the disease comes at a cost.
UNC-Chapel Hill researchers led by Professor Brianna Vickerman are developing a light-activated drug-delivery system designed to treat cancer while reducing the long-term side effects caused by conventional chemotherapy. The current project initially focuses on head and neck cancers, where the most common treatments can lead to lasting complications.
Instead of developing entirely new drugs, the researchers encapsulate existing potent medications inside specialized, light-sensitive carriers. These carriers can circulate through the body without releasing active drug into healthy tissue. When light is directed at the tumor, a switch in the carriers triggers their breakdown and releases the drug specifically at the disease site.
The technology builds on earlier UNC research involving light-controlled delivery of cardiovascular drugs, including clot-dissolving medications. A two-year commercialization-focused innovation grant from NC Innovation will support further testing in cancer models, with the long-term goal of advancing the approach toward clinical use.
“What we’re focusing on is drugs that are already known to be really effective and potent, but they may have systemic side effects,” Vickerman explained. “They’re often given at higher doses to be able to have effective concentrations at the disease site. However, these doses often then attack and affect healthy sites. We’re looking at being able to take these drugs and target them only at the disease site.”
This story was reported by WRAL and the full interview is available to watch on WRAL.
ABOUT COVALT BIO
Covalt Bio is a biotechnology company developing innovative drug delivery technologies that improve patient outcomes by maximizing efficacy and minimizing side effects. Through its proprietary light-activated platform, the company aims to enable safer, more targeted therapies across a broad range of diseases.
Media Contact
Logan Zwerneman, PhD
