IISc develops novel approaches to detect and kill cancer cells
Context
Scientists at the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) have created a novel method that may be used to identify and eradicate cancer cells, particularly those that form solid tumour masses.
What is the new approach invented to cure cancer?
- Scientists at IISc have developed hybrid nanoparticles composed of both gold and copper sulphide.
How are these nano-particles going to work against cancer cells?
- The photothermal characteristics of these nanoparticles allow them to absorb light and transform it into heat energy.
- It is possible to use the heat produced to efficiently kill cancer cells.
- The nanoparticles also release singlet oxygen atoms, which are hazardous to cancer cells in addition to heat.
- These nanoparticles are effective at locating and eliminating cancer cells due to their combination of photothermal and oxidative stress capabilities.
How can the nanoparticles be used for early detection of cancer cells?
- Additionally, the nanoparticles have a photoacoustic characteristic that enables them to both absorb light and emit ultrasonic vibrations.
- The nanoparticles’ photoacoustic characteristic allows them to detect cancer cells with a high degree of contrast.
- Compared to conventional techniques, nanoparticle-generated ultrasound waves offer better image resolution.
- Sound waves are better able to detect cancer because they disperse less when they go through tissues.
- The current cancer diagnosis and therapy methods may easily incorporate these hybrid nanoparticles.
- For instance, an endoscope, a popular tool for cancer screening, can be used to activate them so that heat is produced.
What is the size of the nano-particles that are going to be used?
- These hybrid nanoparticles are incredibly tiny, less than 8 nm in size.
- They may be able to quickly pass through tissues due to their small size and reach tumour locations.
- The fact that they are so small suggests that they could be naturally removed from the body without building up.
What are the advantages of this treatment for the public?
- Early Detection: The photoacoustic capabilities of the nanoparticles make it possible to detect cancer cells in their earliest stages. This may result in earlier intervention and therapy, increasing the likelihood that the results will be positive.
- Improved Imaging: When compared to conventional techniques like CT and MRI scans, the ultrasound waves produced by the nanoparticles offer superior picture resolution. This improved clarity may make it easier to pinpoint the specific position and size of tumours.
- Targeted treatment: Gold nanoparticles can be chemically altered to target cancer cells with precision during treatment. This focused strategy reduces therapeutic side effects by minimizing harm to healthy tissues.
- Multimodal Therapy: Photothermal and oxidative stress features are just two of the many modes of action that the hybrid nanoparticles have to offer. This comprehensive strategy may have greater success in eliminating cancer cells.
- Integration with Existing Tools: The nanoparticles can be simply incorporated into current medical techniques and devices, such as endoscopy. This indicates that the technique can be implemented relatively quickly without substantially altering present medical procedures.
- Small Size: Because the nanoparticles are so tiny, they may be able to more easily infiltrate tissues and reach tumour locations. Due to their diminutive size, they may also be spontaneously excreted from the body, lowering the possibility of accumulation.
What is the current progress of the clinical testing?
- While preliminary research on lung cancer and cervical cancer cell lines has been done in a lab setting, more thorough studies and clinical trials are essential.
- The goal is to evaluate these nanoparticles’ efficacy and safety in human beings.
- The ultimate objective is to develop these nanoparticles for therapeutic use, which could revolutionize cancer diagnostics and treatment.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the creation of these hybrid nanoparticles has enormous promise for the prevention and treatment of cancer. They provide a holistic solution by combining photothermal and oxidative stress features for effective cancer cell eradication with excellent photoacoustic capabilities for precise cancer identification. To evaluate their safety and effectiveness in clinical settings, however, more investigation and clinical trials are required.
