Nanotech Companies Working Against Cancer
OK, so maybe people aren't overly impressed that Nanotechnology has so far given us anti-stain trousers and a few other early-stage ideas. Today, however, two stories caught my eye, both relating to the discovery and treatment of various types of cancer using Nanotechnology.
Nanowires Used To Detect Cancer Quickly and Accurately
Harvard University researchers have found that molecular markers indicating the presence of cancer in the body are readily detected in blood scanned by special arrays of silicon nanowires -- even when these cancer markers constitute only one hundred-billionth of the protein present in a drop of blood.
In addition to this exceptional accuracy and sensitivity, the minuscule devices also promise to pinpoint the exact type of cancer present with a speed not currently available to clinicians.
Quotes from Charles M. Lieber, Mark Hyman Jr. Professor of Chemistry in Harvard's Faculty of Arts and Sciences.
"This is one of the first applications of nanotechnology to healthcare and offers a clinical technique that is significantly better than what exists today,"
"A nanowire array can test a mere pinprick of blood in just minutes, providing a nearly instantaneous scan for many different cancer markers. It's a device that could open up substantial new possibilities in the diagnosis of cancer and other complex diseases."
Nanotechnology Safely Delivers Toxic Cancer Drugs
Cytimmune, in collaboration with the National Cancer Institute, has developed a way to deliver anti-cancer agents – whose toxicities currently prevent or severely limit clinical use – using its recently patented gold tumor-targeting nanotechnology. This will mean that the tumor can be effectively attacked while leaving healthy organs unharmed.
When injected into the circulation, these particles selectively accumulate in and around solid tumors due to the inherent leakiness of new blood vessels within the tumor.
Cytimmune is close to receiving $5 million in venture capital and hopes to begin human trials next year.