With the rapid progress of science and technology, the hope of finding more effective and affordable ways to treat cancer is growing stronger. One emerging technology that has drawn researchers’ attention is the triboelectric nanogenerator (TENG), a small, flexible device capable of converting everyday mechanical energy, such as body movements, into electricity.
According to the Report, A recent study from the University of Tehran suggests that this technology could play a key role in electrical cancer therapies. While conventional devices for such treatments are often bulky and expensive, nanogenerators may serve as a portable and affordable alternative. Although their limited power output prevents them from fully replacing hospital-grade equipment, TENGs could open up new possibilities for outpatient and home-based care, an innovation that may greatly expand global access to cancer treatment.
Cancer remains one of the most pressing health challenges worldwide. For decades, treatments have relied primarily on surgery, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy, methods that are not only costly but often accompanied by severe side effects. In the past decade, researchers have begun exploring new approaches, and the use of electrical currents has emerged as a promising alternative. Within this context, the University of Tehran’s research highlights the potential of triboelectric nanogenerators as compact, lightweight, self-powered devices that could replace today’s expensive and cumbersome systems.
The importance of such studies lies in the limited access to advanced cancer treatment technologies in many parts of the world, especially in developing countries. High costs and reliance on complex medical equipment have deprived millions of patients of modern care. Developing cheaper, portable solutions could spark a revolution in health equity, and TENGs, serving as alternative energy sources—represent one of the most promising options.
Triboelectric nanogenerators were first introduced in 2012, designed to harvest mechanical energy from contact and separation between materials and convert it into electricity. Their key advantages include simple fabrication, lightweight design, flexibility, and self-charging capabilities. While industrial and hydropower applications have been widely studied, their potential in medicine, particularly in cancer therapy—has received little attention until now. The University of Tehran’s research takes a comprehensive look at this issue, reviewing existing electric cancer therapies and assessing how TENGs could support them.
Electric cancer treatments, such as electrochemotherapy (ECT), tumor-treating fields (TTF), radiofrequency ablation (RFA), and irreversible electroporation (IRE), are increasingly being considered as alternatives or complements to traditional therapies. These methods reduce side effects and improve effectiveness, but their global adoption has been hindered by the high cost and bulkiness of equipment. TENGs may provide a solution by powering these therapies more efficiently and affordably.
Functionally, TENGs generate high voltage at low current—an ideal feature for certain cancer therapies. Techniques such as electroporation and electrochemical treatments require precise, controlled voltages, which TENGs can supply. Furthermore, their light weight and flexibility enable wearable or portable designs, allowing treatment to move beyond hospitals and into patients’ homes. This not only reduces costs but also improves patients’ quality of life.
Of course, the technology faces limitations. The primary challenge is its relatively low power output compared to hospital and surgical requirements. In other words, TENGs cannot fully replace high-power devices used in intensive treatments. However, for outpatient care, home monitoring, or combination therapies, they may prove highly effective.
The University of Tehran’s review demonstrates that TENGs could serve as auxiliary or alternative power sources in electric cancer therapies. Analysis of published scientific literature shows that their most studied applications are in electroporation and electrodynamic treatments, with limited reports on tumor-treating fields.
The future outlook for this technology is promising. As medical devices increasingly move toward wearable and personalized solutions, triboelectric nanogenerators could become widespread tools in cancer care. By harvesting simple energy sources such as body movements, they can generate the electricity required for treatment, ensuring continuous therapy without reliance on external power supplies.
As the second leading cause of death worldwide, cancer demands innovative treatment strategies. While traditional methods will remain central, technologies like TENG signal a future where cancer therapies are more accessible, affordable, and effective. The University of Tehran’s research marks an important step in exploring these possibilities and could provide a foundation for more applied studies and the development of locally adapted technologies in this field.