Nanoparticles coated with a specific protein can destroy cancer cells in the blood and prevent the spread of cancer, according to Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.
The formation of metastases is the most dangerous stage of cancer. Cancerous tumors appear throughout the body, destroying vital organs – for example, the brain, lungs and liver. When metastases occur, the patient’s chances are significantly reduced.
American scientists at Cornell University have designed nanoparticles that remain in the bloodstream and kill the traveling cancer cells they come into contact with. About 90 percent. deaths due to cancer are related to metastasis – said Prof. Michael King.
Tiny spherical nanoparticles are attached to a cancer-killing protein called Trail (previously used in cancer research) and other sticky proteins. When injected into the blood, the sticky nanoparticles bind to the white blood cells.
As they move with the flow of blood, white blood cells collide with other objects, including cancer cells that have detached from the tumor and flow with the flow. Contact with the Trail protein destroys them.
The authors of the study describe the effect of nanoparticles as “dramatic”, but emphasize that much remains to be done. During the experiments with human and mouse blood, under two hours of flow, the tumor cells were destroyed.
According to prof. Kinga’s nanoparticles could be used before surgery or radiotherapy, which may lead to the detachment of cancer cells from the main tumor. Perhaps they would also prevent the spread of very aggressive tumors.
Research to date suggests that the system does not worsen the immune system and does not damage other blood cells or the cells that line the blood vessels. Before human trials begin, however, more tests are needed in mice and larger animals (PAP).