Nanoparticles can destroy cancer cells

Research: Cancer destroying nanoparticles manufactured

17/02/2014

According to a preliminary study from a US study, researchers were able to produce nanoparticles that destroy tumor cells in the blood and thus prevent the spread of cancer. Further research is now needed, but the hope is already great.

Nanoparticles destroy tumor cells in the blood
A team of researchers led by Michael R. King of Cornell University in the United States have succeeded in producing nanoparticles that can destroy tumor cells in the blood and thus prevent the spread of cancer. The researchers reported in the journal „Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America“ from the preliminary results of their study. Accordingly, the produced „sticky globules“ remain in the bloodstream and kill migratory cancer cells on contact. The hopes are now great, but still needed further research.

Ninety percent of deaths are associated with metastases
In the life expectancy after a cancer diagnosis is one of the most important factors, whether the tumor has already formed metastases or not. According to King, around 90 percent of deaths are related to metastases. Therefore, the scientists tried to find a new solution to this problem. In the article, the researchers describe that the cancer-destroying protein called „Trail“ could be combined with other sticky proteins to small globules or nanoparticles. When these sticky objects were injected into the blood, they attached themselves to white blood cells.

Achievements already after two hours
Initial tests would have shown that the white blood cells eventually met every tumor cell that has detached itself from the main tumor and tried to spread. This contact with „Trail“ led to the death of the tumor cell. According to King, the effect was evident in human blood and in mice. He said: „After two hours, the tumor cells in the bloodstream literally dissolved.“ Professor King believes that the nanoparticles could be used before surgery or before radiotherapy. There is the possibility that tumor cells detach. And even in patients with particularly aggressive tumors a use is conceivable to prevent their spread.

Further testing required
Although a lot still needs to be done, the effect of the nanoparticles is „enormous“. However, for safety of the procedure, numerous further tests in mice and larger animals are required before clinical trials with patients could be performed. There are no indications of a chain reaction with respect to the immune system. And it seems that there is no damage to other blood cells. (Sb)

Image: TU Braunschweig, Institute of Electrical Measurement Technology and Fundamentals of Electrical Engineering, Nanoparticles.