Scientific Evidence
The scientific foundation supporting Targeted Hyperthermia Therapy spans peer-reviewed preclinical research across three cancer types, a completed first-in-human clinical study, independent histological analysis of patient tissue, and presentations at two of the world’s leading oncology conferences. This page brings that evidence together in one place.
Publications
THT in combination with anti-PD-1 therapy in an immunologically cold colorectal cancer model
Preclinical study demonstrating THT in combination with anti-PD-1 therapy in an immunologically cold colorectal cancer model.
0% of animals responded to immunotherapy alone; 100% of animals in the THT-treated group responded to the same therapy when combined with THT.
Preclinical research across melanoma and breast cancer models
Preclinical research across melanoma and breast cancer models demonstrating THT immune activation and abscopal effect.
From the clinic
First-in-human study results
10 late-stage melanoma patients, all previously failing standard immunotherapy.
Expectations met or exceeded across all four measured areas: safety, tolerability, design factors, and efficacy.
Full peer-reviewed manuscript in preparation for submission.
Independent histological tissue analysis
Multiplex histological analysis of representative patient tissue samples at Dalhousie University.
Confirmed extensive NK cell infiltration and macrophage activation in responding patients.
Partial responders showed strong PD-L1 expression, the biomarker that predicts response to PD-1 and CTLA-4 checkpoint immunotherapy.
Findings prepared for peer-reviewed journal submission.
Conference presentations
American Society of Clinical Oncology Annual Meeting
Dr. Carman Giacomantonio, CMO and Principal Investigator, presented Sona’s first-in-human data at the American Society of Clinical Oncology Annual Meeting, Chicago, May 29 to June 2, 2026.
Sona Whitepapers
Supporting Scientific Research, Nanoparticles & Targeted Cancer Treatments
Journal of Nanobiotechnology, April 2026 Peer-reviewed preclinical study demonstrating THT’s ability to convert immunotherapy-resistant tumors to responders.
Targeted intra-tumoral hyperthermia using uniquely biocompatible gold nanorods induces strong immunogenic cell death in two immunogenically ‘cold’ tumor models
The Role of Hyperthermia in the Multidisciplinary Treatment of Malignant Tumors
Functionalized Gold Nanorods for Tumor Imaging and Targeted Therapy – PMC
Nanomaterials | Free Full-Text | Potential of Polymeric Films Loaded with Gold Nanorods for Local Hyperthermia Applications
Effects of differently shaped TiO2NPs (nanospheres, nanorods and nanowires) on the in vitro model (Caco-2/HT29) of the intestinal barrier | Particle and Fibre Toxicology
Gold nanospheres and nanorods for anti-cancer therapy: comparative studies of fabrication, surface-decoration, and anti-cancer treatments – Nanoscale (RSC Publishing)
Gold Nanorods
Multifunctional Gold Nanorod for Therapeutic Applications and Pharmaceutical Delivery Considering Cellular Metabolic Responses, Oxidative Stress and Cellular Longevity
Point-of-Care Diagnostics in Low Resource Settings: Present Status and Future Role of Microfluidics
Photothermal Therapy Using Gold Nanorods and Near-Infrared Light in a Murine Melanoma Model Increases Survival and Decreases Tumor
Gold nanorods as contrast agents for biological imaging: optical properties, surface conjugation and photothermal effects
Fabrication of Gold Nanorods with Tunable Longitudinal Surface Plasmon Resonance Peaks by Reductive Dopamine
Gold Nanorods: The Most Versatile Plasmonic Nanoparticles | Chemical Reviews
Nanomaterials: An Overview of Nanorods Synthesis and Optimization
Spheres vs. rods: The shape of gold nanoparticles influences aggregation and deposition behavior
Educational & media content
The essentials
What has Sona Nanotech published?
Sona Nanotech has peer-reviewed research published in the Journal of Nanobiotechnology (April 2026) and Frontiers in Immunology. A peer-reviewed manuscript of the first-in-human clinical study is in preparation for submission.
Has Sona Nanotech presented at major oncology conferences?
Yes. Dr. Carman Giacomantonio presented Sona’s first-in-human data at AACR 2026 in San Diego and ASCO 2026 in Chicago — two of the world’s leading oncology conferences.