How Nanoparticles, Nanoshells, And Nanotubes May Provide Powerful Tools Against Cancer
Posted on 12/17/2005 8:09:44 PM PST
by Founding Father

They’re but a tiny speck, existing in a variety of forms: particles, tubes, shells, even a soccerball-like shape. They also share a common prefix: “nano,” connoting their size, a billionth of a meter or roughly 25-millionth of an inch.

Today, cancer researchers are exploring the potential of such nanostructures to exquisitely target cancer cells without harming surrounding tissue, and to image the formation of tumors long before they have a chance to become life-threatening. While diagnostics and approved therapies are years away, several are nearing clinical studies, while a few already are being tested in patients.

A press conference on “Advances in Nanotechnology for Cancer Diagnostics and Treatment” is being featured at the “Molecular Targets and Cancer Therapeutics” International Conference here.

Research highlights from this session include:
A nanotube, combined with monoclonal antibodies, is detecting cancer cells, offering a potential cost-effective way to diagnose whether cells are cancerous or not in a matter of minutes versus hour or days with current methods. The rest