At a Glance Current treatment options for ocular cancer lead to substantial, or even complete vision loss – and aren’t always successful

It’s time to explore new approaches to improve both visual and survival outcomes for patients

Nano-sized semiconductors can be used to synthesize toxins inside tumor cells, while potentially sparing vision

Initial in vivo and in vitro studies show promise, but further studies of efficacy and toxicity are needed

Semiconductors are everywhere. The semiconductor-based microchip became a big thing in the late 1970s, and they’re in everything now, from the watch on your wrist, to the TV on your wall, and even in the security tag on a packet of razor blades. Now there’s a new application with huge potential – cancer therapy.

We can produce nano-sized semiconductors that, under illumination by visible light, synthesize toxins inside tumor cells. Because tissue in the eye is easily illuminated, semiconducting nanoparticles look to be an extremely promising therapeutic intervention in ocular cancer, and may spare patients from the vision loss that normally occurs with traditional anticancer treatments.