Magnetic nanoparticles could help treat cancer.

Researchers at Oregon State University College of Pharmacy have developed nanoclusters, hexagon-shaped iron oxide nanoparticles doped with cobalt and manganese, and loaded into biodegradable nanocarriers, with enhanced heating efficiency. The team have focussed on ovarian cancer to develop nanoparticles that, once injected into the tumour, are exposed to an alternating magnetic field that causes them to reach temperatures in excess of 100oF to kill the cancer cells.
Olena Taratula, associate professor of pharmaceutical sciences, said: “There had been many attempts to develop nanoparticles that could be administered systemically in safe doses and still allow for hot enough temperatures inside the tumour. Our new nanoplatform is a milestone for treating difficult-to-access tumours with magnetic hyperthermia. This is a proof of concept, and the nanoclusters could potentially be optimised for even greater heating efficiency. It’s already been shown that magnetic hyperthermia at moderate temperatures increases the susceptibility of cancer cells to chemotherapy, radiation and immunotherapy. To advance this technology, future studies need to use orthotopic animal models, models where deep-seated tumours are studied in the location they would actually occur in the body. In addition, to minimise the heating of healthy tissue, current AMF systems need to be optimised, or new ones developed.”