Friday, 18th November 2005 (5111 views)

The use of gold nanoparticles in the treatment of cancer has hit the headlines again as the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) gave a timely update on the discipline's progress.

While the association admitted that approved nanotechnology therapies may be years away, it also pointed out that several studies are nearing, or have already reached, the point at which they can be trialled on patients.

The AACR highlighted early signs of success in the application of nanoshells, which contain gold particles and have the ability to destroy tumour cells when heated with a laser light.

According to the association, nanoshells' vast potential for fighting cancer has been showcased by a host of recent academic studies.

Research from Rice University, for instance, found that nanoshells and near infrared (NIR) light offer 'potent cancer-killing properties when used together'.

Its trials indicated that nanoshells fired into animals accumulate in the tumour and are able to destroy it after NIR light is used to heat up their gold shells.

A study by bioengineering student Andre Gobin has also demonstrated how nanoshells can be used with imaging to treat tumours in animals.

The AACR's report follows the news that CytImmune has received $5 million in investment that will be ploughed into trials of its patented gold nanoparticle technology.

 

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