Tuesday, 2nd January 2007 (4387 views)

Clinical trials for cancer-killing nanotechnologies could begin in 2007, with the nanoparticle treatments likely to replace chemotherapy and other invasive surgeries in the long-term, claim experts.

Previous trials using gold-plated nanoparticles have been shown to be effective in attacking tumours and cancer cells directly.

The gold-coated nanoparticles, known as nanoshells, are able to pinpoint areas of cells needed to be removed, rather than the bombarding method of chemotherapy.

Nanoshells are hollow spheres of gold which can be made so small that they are able to slip through the gaps in the blood vessels near tumours and accumulate at the site. They are then bombarded with otherwise safe infrared waves which heats up the nanoshells and the tumour.

Professor Naomi Halas from Rice University in the US, who pioneered the treatment over ten years ago, hopes that this year will see further advancements in the therapy.

"There is a potential for this to bring a profound change in cancer treatment," Professor Halas told Technology Review.

"For the case of someone discovering a lump in their breast, this would mean that a very simple procedure could be performed that would induce remission."

 

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