New technology provides hope for prostate cancer treatment
New technology provides hope for prostate cancer treatment
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Friday, 17, Apr 2009 07:31
Scientists claim new research could pave the way for the development of a new strategy for the early diagnosis and treatment of prostate cancer.
Experts at the University of Leicester say the research will use cutting edge nanotechnology to identify a pioneering treatment which could also be applied to other aggressive cancers.
A new grant will allow scientists at the university to design high-performance magnetic nanoparticles, which act as probes that show up (using Magnetic Resonance Imaging) and kill (by hyperthermia) tumour cells at a much earlier stage than conventional methods.
The pioneering technology, developed at the university, is focused on the development of a new type of magnetic nanoparticle in which the magnetic performance is increase by a factor of ten.
"Targeting these magnetic nanoparticles to unique cell surface receptors present on the prostate tumour cell surface will enable efficient and specific delivery to prostate cancer cells," the experts write.
The university researchers envisage the systems could be applied to other types of aggressive cancers, such as liver, breast, colon, in which early diagnosis and treatment is essential for recovery.
Dr Wu Su, from the Department of Chemistry, said the technology requires a multidisciplinary approach: "Prostate cancer cure rates are predicated on early diagnosis and treatment. The technology that we are developing offers the potential of both the identification and treatment of prostate cancer in a highly selective manner."
Scientists claim the successful implementation of the technology would provide significant welfare benefits for patients [reducing the need for surgical removal of the prostate] and significant cost benefits for the UK health-care system.