Nanoparticles a Weapon of Choice against Brain Tumors

In concurrence with the numerous breakthroughs in nano-technology, radiologists and other various scientists at the University of Michigan, have developed a cancer treatment system that utilizes nanoparticles measuring at about 40 nm in length. The nanoparticle is tagged with a cancer-seeking peptide in order to target brain tumors. The drug/peptide of choice is Photofrin. Photofrin is an anti-cancer drug developed by scientist that is “photodynamic” (activated via a laser beam). Most importantly, Photofrin can penetrate cell membranes and become attracted to expressions of nucleolin (a peptide commonly found in cancer cells). Unfortunately, due to the drug’s sensitivity to light, the patient must stay away from bright light for about 30 days after the nanoparticle delivery.

An obstacle that commonly hinders treatment of brain tumors is the inability to administer treatments across the blood-brain barrier. Fortunately, the nanoparticle targets blood vessel cells that are in the tumor, and starves the tumor of blood flow, thus avoiding the obstacle altogether.

A test administered on rats, shows significant, positive correlation with life expectancy and the use of the drug. Click on the link below to view more:

http://www.sciam.com/article.cfm?chanID=sa002&articleID=F81F74A8-E7F2-99DF-325025A7F2F3416A