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04/11/2003
'Golden nano-shells' could target inoperable tumours
Microscopic 'golden nano-shells' could be used to target inoperable tumours in humans, according to a US research team.
The minute silica particles, which are coated with a thin layer of gold, heat up when exposed to near-infrared light and offer a means to kill cancer cells without harming surrounding healthy tissue.
The Texan research team led by Dr Jennifer West claim that the harmless nano-shells just a few billionths of a metre across (120 nanometres) could be used to treat difficult to reach tumours.
Dr West told New Scientist that the nano-shells could be used to treat very small metastases.
The report was published today in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. The nano-shells in conjunction with NIR light were used to kill breast cancer cells in vitro and in vivo tumours in mice.
According to the report, the nano-shells are coated with a specific antibody which causes them to bind to the cancer cells. Then by using NIR light the nano-shells are heated to around 55 degrees centigrade which is sufficient to disrupt the cell membranes of the target cells and kill them.
Cancer experts have cautioned that the research is promising but is at a very early stage.
It is understood that the firm that has collaborated in the research project is in talks with the American Food and Drugs Administration about a possible move to human clinical trials within months.
(SP)
The minute silica particles, which are coated with a thin layer of gold, heat up when exposed to near-infrared light and offer a means to kill cancer cells without harming surrounding healthy tissue.
The Texan research team led by Dr Jennifer West claim that the harmless nano-shells just a few billionths of a metre across (120 nanometres) could be used to treat difficult to reach tumours.
Dr West told New Scientist that the nano-shells could be used to treat very small metastases.
The report was published today in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. The nano-shells in conjunction with NIR light were used to kill breast cancer cells in vitro and in vivo tumours in mice.
According to the report, the nano-shells are coated with a specific antibody which causes them to bind to the cancer cells. Then by using NIR light the nano-shells are heated to around 55 degrees centigrade which is sufficient to disrupt the cell membranes of the target cells and kill them.
Cancer experts have cautioned that the research is promising but is at a very early stage.
It is understood that the firm that has collaborated in the research project is in talks with the American Food and Drugs Administration about a possible move to human clinical trials within months.
(SP)
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