Nanoparticle research ‘offers new cancer drug delivery possibilities’

Research has been conducted into new nanoparticles that could play a role in revolutionising chemotherapy treatments and cancer drug delivery methods.

Scientists from UCLA have engineered special mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSNPs) that have proven to be far more successful than previous nanocarriers in delivering compounds to tumour areas.

By tailoring the size and design of the particles, researchers were able to prevent them from being removed through the liver and spleen, with around ten to 12 percent of all the drug-loaded MSNPs reaching the intended site.

This method could allow for more effective cancer treatments that avoid side effects such as weight loss, renal injury and liver damage.

Dr Andre Nel, one of the leaders on the study, said: "Not only are these design features superior to induce tumour shrinkage and apoptosis compared to the free drug, but they also dramatically improve the safety profile of systemic doxorubicin delivery."

Last month, researchers from Brigham and Women's Hospital published a study suggesting that a nanoparticle-containing cream could be used to help treat common nickel allergies.