Mitrelias T., Tselepi M., Barnes C., Orel V., Schepotin I.
Cavendish NanoTherapeutics, UK
Keywords: electromagnetic irradiation, magnetic nanoparticles, targeted drug delivery, targeted hyperthermia
Cancer remains the second leading cause of deaths worldwide and in the U.S. alone every year there are over 1.5 million new diagnoses. Technologies that would allow targeted destruction of tumours by localising the delivery of therapeutic agents to the tumour region are very promising to assist in the battle against cancer. Cavendish NanoTherapeutics (CNT) is developing systems which utilise magnetic nanoparticles loaded with therapeutic agents, directed and guided towards the tumour site and preferentially attached to the tumour to destroy it. The cancer cells are killed by the combined action of the drugs and a local temperature increase in the area around the tumour site using externally applied electromagnetic irradiation (hyperthermia). CNT’s technology is platform and disruptive. Our pilot clinical trials have demonstrated significant effects in the reduction of the size of a tumour and a 50% increase in the survival rates (on average) of patients with breast, lung, endometrial, colorectal and trophoblastic cancer. A first generation system for induction of hyperthermia by electromagnetic irradiation has already been tested. CNT is as a spin off the Cavendish Laboratory, University of Cambridge.
Journal: TechConnect Briefs
Volume: 3, Nanotechnology 2012: Bio Sensors, Instruments, Medical, Environment and Energy (Volume 3)
Published: June 18, 2012
Pages: 214 - 217
Industry sectors: Advanced Materials & Manufacturing | Medical & Biotech
Topics: Biomaterials, Cancer Nanotechnology
ISBN: 978-1-4665-6276-9