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Abstract:
To improve the tumor-specific delivery of drug to tumors, a team of investigators from the University of California, San Diego (UCSD) has created a system of nanoparticles-within-a-nanoparticle that can be directed to and concentrated at the site of tumor using a magnetic field. Once at the tumor site, radiofrequency irradiation triggers drug release from the nanoparticles, bathing the tumors in drug and markedly reducing the growth of the tumors.

Magnetic Field Directs Nanoparticles to Tumors

Bethesda, MD | Posted on November 30th, 2010

Reporting its work in the journal Nano Letters, a research team led by Sungho Jin described the multiple steps it uses to create these multi-component nanoparticles that contain both magnetic nanoparticles and the drug Camptothecin trapped within a silica shell. Trapped within the silica nanoparticle, the close proximity of the hundreds of magnetic iron oxide nanoparticles boosts their responsiveness to a magnetic field applied from outside the body. More importantly, at moderate magnetic field strengths the nanoparticles not only accumulate in the vicinity of a tumor but also penetrate into the tumor mass.

Based on these initial results, the investigators injected the nanoparticles into mice implanted with human breast tumors. After using a magnetic field to direct the nanoparticles to tumors during a two-hour period, the researchers subjected the animals to three 8-minute exposures to radiofrequency irradiation. The treated animals experienced a marked reduction in the size of their tumors and experienced no noticeable side effects.

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About The National Cancer Institute (NCI)
The NCI Alliance for Nanotechnology in Cancer is engaged in efforts to harness the power of nanotechnology to radically change the way we diagnose, treat and prevent cancer.

The NCI Alliance for Nanotechnology in Cancer is a comprehensive, systematized initiative encompassing the public and private sectors, designed to accelerate the application of the best capabilities of nanotechnology to cancer.

Currently, scientists are limited in their ability to turn promising molecular discoveries into benefits for cancer patients. Nanotechnology can provide the technical power and tools that will enable those developing new diagnostics, therapeutics, and preventives to keep pace with today’s explosion in knowledge.

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Contacts:
National Cancer Institute
Center for Strategic Scientific Initiatives
ATTN: NCI Office of Cancer Nanotechnology Research (OCNR)
Building 31, Room 10A52
31 Center Drive, MSC 2580
Bethesda, MD 20892-2580
(301) 451-8983

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