A major development in cancer research is offering new hope. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has granted Breakthrough Device Designation to a pioneering treatment known as Laser-Activated Nano-Therapy (LANT), developed by physicist Dr. Hadiyah-Nicole Green and the Ora Lee Smith Cancer Research Foundation.
The designation is reserved for technologies that show the potential to significantly improve treatment outcomes for life-threatening conditions. By awarding this status, the FDA has accelerated the pathway for LANT to move into human clinical trials, recognizing its promise in addressing urgent unmet needs in cancer care.
Unlike traditional cancer treatments such as chemotherapy, radiation, and surgery—which often damage healthy tissue and cause severe side effects—LANT introduces a targeted and less invasive approach. The therapy works by injecting proprietary gold nanorods directly into a tumor. A near-infrared laser is then used to activate the particles, generating heat that destroys cancer cells from within while leaving surrounding healthy tissue unharmed.
Preclinical results have been striking. In laboratory studies involving mice, the treatment achieved 100% tumor elimination within 15 days after a single 10-minute session. Notably, researchers reported no observable side effects, highlighting the therapy’s potential to transform how cancer is treated.
Beyond the science, the mission behind LANT is equally disruptive. The Ora Lee Smith Cancer Research Foundation is committed to ensuring that the treatment remains accessible and affordable, particularly for underserved communities where cost often determines survival outcomes. Operating as a nonprofit, the foundation aims to challenge traditional healthcare models by prioritizing equity over profit.
“Announcing FDA Breakthrough Device Status on World Cancer Day is a monumental milestone,” said Dr. Green in a press release. “It confirms that our approach is a significant advancement over the current standard of care.”
With regulatory momentum building, the foundation is now launching a $10 million fundraising campaign to support human clinical trials. While the initial focus is on head and neck cancers, the platform has the potential to treat a wide range of solid tumors, including breast, prostate, colorectal, and brain cancers.
As the global fight against cancer continues, this breakthrough represents more than a scientific achievement—it signals a shift toward more precise, humane, and accessible treatment options for patients worldwide.