Russian scientists harness nanoparticles for precise tumor therapy

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: Agencies
16 Jul 2023 07:52

In a revolutionary cancer treatment, Russian scientists introduce a pioneering approach that employs nanoparticles for targeted drug delivery while minimizing damage to healthy tissues.

A radiologist uses a magnifying glass to check mammograms for breast cancer. (AP)

A groundbreaking cancer treatment approach has been developed by Russian scientists from the National Research Technological University (NITU) MISiS and the Nikolay Pirogov Russian National Research Medical University.

Their method involves using nanoparticles, incredibly small particles ranging from 1 to 100 nanometers in size, to encapsulate active pharmaceutical ingredients for the purpose of delivering them directly to tumors. By carefully controlling the release of medication, these nanoparticles ensure that only the tumor cells are affected, sparing the surrounding healthy tissues from harm.

To enhance the precision of drug delivery, the researchers have harnessed the magnetic properties of these nanoparticles. By manipulating magnetic fields, they can guide the nanoparticles to the specific location of the tumor.

This innovative technology holds the potential to create a highly accurate "high-precision weapon" against malignant tumors, functioning autonomously based on the "fire and forget" principle. Once administered, the nanoparticles can independently navigate toward the tumor and administer the medication, eliminating the need for further intervention.

According to Timur Nizamov, a junior researcher at the Laboratory of Multifunctional Magnetic Nanomaterials, the magnetic properties of such nanoparticles is what gives them the ability to be directly delivered to the tumor zone by controlling magnetic fields.

In the future, according to Nizamov, the development of such technology will make it possible to create what he referred to as a "high-precision weapon" against malignant tumors, operating on the "fire and forget" principle.