3D MicroLEDs Revolutionize Pancreatic Cancer Treatment

Abstract

Controlled photooxidation-mediated disruption of collagens in the tumor microenvironment can reduce desmoplasia and enhance immune responsiveness. However, achieving effective light delivery to solid tumors, particularly those with dynamic volumetric changes like pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), remains challenging and limits the repeated and sustained photoactivation of drugs. Here, 3D, shape-morphing, implantable photonic devices (IPDs) are introduced that enable tumor-specific and continuous light irradiation for effective metronomic photodynamic therapy (mPDT). This IPD adheres seamlessly to the surface of orthotopic PDAC tumors, mitigating issues related to mechanical mismatch, delamination, and internal lesions. In freely moving mouse models, mPDT using the IPD with close adhesion significantly reduces desmoplastic tumor volume without causing cytotoxic effects in healthy tissues. These promising in vivo results underscore the potential of an adaptable and unidirectional IPD design in precisely targeting cancerous organs, suggesting a meaningful advance in light-based therapeutic technologies.

Pancreatic cancer, often called a silent killer, is notorious for its stealth due to its difficulty in diagnosis and treatment. With a five-year survival rate of just over 10%, it remains one of the most deadly cancers. In a significant breakthrough, a team of UNIST researchers have developed a tiny, flexible LED device that wraps around the pancreas, offering a new way to precisely target and destroy cancer cells with light.

Professor Tae-Hyuk Kwon and his team in the Department of Chemistry at UNIST, collaborating with Professor Keon Jae Lee from the Department of Materials Science and Engineering at KAIST, announced the successful creation of a three-dimensional (3D) micro-LED device, capable of delivering light directly around the entire surface of the pancreas.

Pancreatic cancer is especially challenging to treat, particularly after stage 2, when the tumor becomes encased in a dense, protective barrier known as the tumor microenvironment. This barrier hampers surgical removal and prevents chemotherapy and immune cells from effectively reaching the tumor, resulting in low treatment success rates.

Recently, photodynamic therapy (PDT) has gained attention as a promising alternative. This technique uses light to activate drugs, called photosensitizers that selectively target cancer cells. However, traditional laser systems struggle to deliver sufficient light deep into tissues like the pancreas, and intense light can also damage healthy tissue.

Figure 1. Schematic images, illustrating the overall concept of SMLED for pancreatic cancer (PC) treatment via mPDT.

To overcome these challenges, the research team designed a flexible, 3D micro-LED device that conforms seamlessly to the surface of the pancreas-much like an octopus's tentacle. This device provides gentle, uniform illumination over an extended period, effectively targeting cancer cells while protecting surrounding healthy tissue.

In tests on live mice, the device yielded remarkable results: within just three days, tumor-associated fibrous tissue decreased by 64%, and the pancreatic tissue showed signs of structural recovery.

Professor Kwon explained, "This work pushes beyond the current limits of light delivery in phototherapy, opening new possibilities for treating difficult cancers." He added, "It represents a significant step toward expanding immune-based therapies for otherwise intractable tumors."

Professor Lee emphasized the broader impact, saying, "This introduces a new approach to phototherapy by directly targeting the tumor microenvironment-one of the biggest hurdles in pancreatic cancer treatment. We have confirmed the technology's effectiveness and are working on integrating AI to analyze tumor conditions in real time, aiming to develop a personalized treatment platform. Our goal is to collaborate with industry partners to bring this closer to clinical use."

The study was published as the cover article in Advanced Materials on December 10, 2025.

Journal Reference

Jae Hee Lee, Chae Gyu Lee, Min Seo Kim, et al., "Deeply Implantable, Shape-Morphing, 3D MicroLEDs for Pancreatic Cancer Therapy," Adv. Mater., (2025).