The race to cure cancer has been the life’s work of countless scientists. Consequentially, every few years a new promising breakthrough is discovered. Recently, one of the most promising leaps in cancer treatment has come from the field of nanotechnology. Globally, Scientists have expressed their excitement in the application of nanotechnology in cancer treatment.

The National Cancer Institute’s Alliance for Nanotechnology is one of the flagship research groups in this field. This organization is a collaborative group of researchers working towards the development, perfection, and implementation of nanotechnology in the field of cancer treatment. One of the most exciting breakthroughs has recently come from Stanford University and their use of carbon nanotubes. Nanotubes are placed directly into each of the cancerous cells, and then heated via near-infrared lasers. This allows the nanotechnology to target the cancer cells exclusively, without harming other tissue.

According one of the field’s leading researchers, Dr Hongjie Dai, the major problem with most treatments is finding a cure without harmful side effects. Many patients will find themselves losing important tissue, which may lead to such problems as nausea and hair loss. Patients with very specific forms of cancer, such as mesothelioma, could receive an effective treatment without harming the lung tissue surrounding the cancer. Mesothelioma is an extremely aggressive form of cancer and its survival rate is only one to two years in most cases. Invasive procedures must be handled delicately as to not lessen the body’s ability to heal.

Comparatively, nanotechnology research is still in its infancy and has a promising future in providing diagnostic and treatment solutions for cancer due to the work of numerous researchers and research centers around the world.

Source:

Esternal collaboration to NANOBUGLE from Jillian McKee