Researchers at the Amrita Institute of Medical Sciences (AIMS) in Kochi have succeeded in turning nanoparticles of calcium phosphate-commonly found in human bones– into fully biodegradable radio frequency agents that can provide imaging for more precise seeking and killing of cancer cells. This breakthrough has paved the way for safer, cheaper diagnosis and treatment of cancer. The project has been funded by the Indian Government. Dr. Shanti Nair, Director, Centre for Nanosciences and Molecular Medicine AIMS said: "Now that its nanoparticles have been made imageable by MRI and CT scans, their accumulation in tumours can be verified and the MR contrast used for image-guided surgical treatment of cancer." Dr. Manzoor Koyakutty, Professor AIMS said: "We have made this biomineral imageable using MRI and CT. It can be guided precisely to cancer tumours, which will enable their treatment under image guidance, using radio waves to heat up and destroy the cancerous cells. We are now conducting large animal studies, after which clinical trials will follow." Dr. Vijay Harish, Physician Scientist AIMS said: "Image guided therapy using biodegradable material such as calcium phosphate is very attractive from the clinical perspective. It will allow doctors to treat cancer patients with precision." At present, the most common treatment for cancer involves radiation and use of gamma rays to kill cancer cells. However, this inflicts collateral damage-healthy cells also get destroyed along with cancer cells. Radiation treatment with Cyber-Knife is much more precise, but very expensive. In this situation, the most easily accessible and cheapest cancer treatment available today uses radio frequency (RF) microwaves. (Drug Today) |