New Study Sheds Light on Peritoneal Metastases Across Multiple Cancer Types
- Jun 12
- 2 min read
Kai K, Ishizuka T, Matsumoto J, Shimamawari K, Lkham-Erdene B, Kubota T, Oo PS, Aung KM, Matsui H, Ikenoue M, Nanashima A, Hishikawa Y. Intraperitoneal blue LED irradiation as a potential approach to suppress gastric cancer peritoneal dissemination in a murine model. Sci Rep. 2026 Jun 10. doi: 10.1038/s41598-026-57473-7. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 42270921.
What was this study about?
Researchers wanted to explore a new way to treat peritoneal metastases—cancer that has spread to the lining of the abdomen. Peritoneal metastases are a serious complication of stomach (gastric) cancer and are often difficult to treat.
The team investigated whether blue LED light delivered directly into the abdominal cavity could slow or stop the growth of cancer cells.
What did the researchers do?
The study was conducted in mice, not people. Researchers implanted gastric cancer cells into mice to create peritoneal metastases and then exposed the abdominal cavity to blue LED light. They compared the growth and spread of cancer in treated mice versus untreated mice.
What were the results?
The researchers found that blue LED treatment:
Reduced the growth of cancer cells in the abdomen.
Decreased the number and size of metastatic tumors.
These findings suggest that blue LED light may have anti-cancer effects in the peritoneal cavity.
Why is this important?
Peritoneal metastases are common in several abdominal cancers, including gastric cancer, and treatment options remain limited. Finding new ways to target cancer cells within the abdomen could potentially improve outcomes for patients in the future.
What are the limitations?
This is an early-stage laboratory study performed in mice. Important questions remain unanswered:
Will this approach be safe in humans?
Will it be effective in people with cancer?
How should the light be delivered during treatment?
Could it be combined with surgery, chemotherapy, or other treatments?
Much more research is needed before this approach could become part of routine patient care.
Bottom line
Researchers found that exposing the abdominal cavity to blue LED light reduced the growth and spread of gastric cancer in mice. While the results are promising, this treatment is still experimental and has not yet been tested in patients. Additional studies will be needed to determine whether it could become a future treatment option for people with peritoneal metastases.
