Nanotechnology Cancer Treatment Discovery

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According to CNN, researchers at the University of Michigan have discovered a way to use nanotechnology to combat cancer. James Baker, Professor of biologic nanotechnology at the University, was quoted saying, "This is the first study to demonstrate a nanoparticle-targeted drug actually leaving the bloodstream, being concentrated in cancer cells, and having a biological effect on the animal's tumor." The technique is much like that of a computer Trojan horse virus. The nanopolymer molecule is small enough (less than five nanometers in diameter) to penetrate the cell membrane, and carry both bait and poison. The folic acid bait tricks the cancerous cell into allowing it to enter, and then the methotrexate poison is released to kill the cancer cell. This method limits the amount of toxin that reaches noncancerous cells, which is also beneficial.

Thus far this method has been successfully tested on mice specimens and it delayed the growth of tumors for up to 30 days. If everything goes according to plan and safety regulations are met, the first human clinical trials could begin within two years.