Use tiny particles to kill cancer cells

Researchers have found a way to target cancer cells by injecting tiny particles that can only attack diseased cells and leave healthy cells alone.

Aptamer (Photo: zib.de)

A team at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and Brigham Hospital and women in Boston, USA, have combined tiny particles with a special amount of medication and when they are injected they target only cancer cells .

The team of scientists first conducted experiments on cells grown in the laboratory and then on mice carrying human prostate tumors. In mice, tumors dissipated quickly and all mice survived in the experiment while the control mice died out.

In the study, scientists created tiny sponge-like particles combined with docetaxel. The beads are designed to dissolve in the fluid inside the cell, releasing anti-cancer drugs quickly or slowly according to the needs of the cell.

To ensure targeted tumor cells are targeted, tiny particles are 'adorned' outside with molecules called aptamer, or tiny genetic elements, capable of identifying surface molecules. face of cancer cells, while avoiding healthy cells. These particles are so small that cancer cells easily swallow these particles when particles come into contact with their surfaces.

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