Science Current Events | Science News | Brightsurf.com
 
Email a Friend Send to a friend
Printer Friendly Print Nanoscopic probes can track down and attack cancer cells

Nanoscopic probes can track down and attack cancer cells

March 16, 2009

A researcher has developed probes that can help pinpoint the location of tumors and might one day be able to directly attack cancer cells.

Joseph Irudayaraj, a Purdue University associate professor of agricultural and biological engineering, developed the nanoscale, multifunctional probes, which have antibodies on board, to search out and attach to cancer cells.




A paper detailing the technology was released last week in the online version of Angewandte Chemie, an international chemistry journal.

"If we have a tumor, these probes should have the ability to latch on to it," Irudayaraj said. "The probe could carry drugs to target, treat as well as reveal cancer cells."

Scientists have developed probes that use gold nanorods or magnetic particles, but Irudayaraj's nanoprobes use both, making them easier to track with different imaging devices as they move toward cancer cells.

The magnetic particles can be traced through the use of an MRI machine, while the gold nanorods are luminescent and can be traced through microscopy, a more sensitive and precise process. Irudayaraj said an MRI is less precise than optical luminescence in tracking the probes, but has the advantage of being able to track them deeper in tissue, expanding the probes' possible applications.

The probes, which are about 1,000 times smaller than the diameter of a human hair, contain the antibody Herceptin, used in treatment of metastatic breast cancer. The probes would be injected into the body through a saline buffering fluid, and the Herceptin would find and attach to protein markers on the surface of cancer cells.

"When the cancer cell expresses a protein marker that is complementary to Herceptin, then it binds to that marker," Irudayaraj said. "We are advancing the technology to add other drugs that can be delivered by the probes."

Irudayaraj said better tracking of the nanoprobes could allow doctors to pinpoint the location of known tumors and better treat the cancer.

The novel probes were tested in cultured cancer cells. Irudayaraj said the next step would be to run a series of tests in mice models to determine the dose and stability of the probes.

The research was funded through a National Institute of Health grant, as well as by the Purdue Research Foundation. Irudayaraj is head of a biological engineering team that includes postdoctoral researcher Chungang Wang and graduate student Jiji Chen.

Purdue University



Related Cancer Cells Current Events and Cancer Cells News Articles Cancer Cells Current Events and Cancer Cells News RSS Cancer Cells Current Events and Cancer Cells News RSS
Approved lymphoma drug shows promise in early tests against bone cancer
A drug already approved for the treatment of lymphoma may also slow the growth of the most deadly bone cancer in children and teens, according to an early-stage study published online today in the International Journal of Cancer.

First use of antibody and stem cell transplantation to successfully treat advanced leukemia
For the first time, researchers at Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center have reported the use of a radiolabeled antibody to deliver targeted doses of radiation, followed by a stem cell transplant, to successfully treat a group of leukemia and pre-leukemia patients for whom there previously had been no other curative treatment options.

New Synthetic Molecules Trigger Immune Response to HIV and Prostate Cancer
Researchers at Yale University have developed synthetic molecules capable of enhancing the body's immune response to HIV and HIV-infected cells, as well as to prostate cancer cells. Their findings, published online in the Journal of the American Chemical Society, could lead to novel therapeutic approaches for these diseases.

Taking aim at mysterious DNA structures in the battle against cancer
Designers of anti-cancer drugs are aiming their arrows at mysterious chunks of the genetic material DNA that may play a key role in preventing the growth and spread of cancer cells, according to an article in the current issue of Chemical & Engineering News, ACS' weekly newsmagazine.

Experimental agent reduces breast cancer metastasis to bone
Researchers have reduced breast cancer metastasis to bone using an experimental agent to inhibit ROCK, a protein that was found to be over-expressed in metastatic breast cancer.

Short-term hormone therapy and intermediate dose radiation increases survivial for early stage prostate cancer
Short-term hormone therapy given prior to and during intermediate dose radiation treatment for men with early stage prostate cancer increases their chance of living longer, compared to those who receive the same radiation alone.

Study reveals a 'missing link' in immune response to disease
The immune system's T cells have the unique responsibilities of being both jury and executioner. They examine other cells for signs of disease, including cancers or infections, and, if such evidence is found, rid them from the body. Precisely how T cells shift so swiftly from one role to another, however, has been a mystery.

Discovery offers potential new pancreatic cancer treatment
Tiny particles that can carry drugs and target cancer cells may offer treatment hope for those suffering with pancreatic cancer. New research to be presented in November at the American Association of Pharmaceutical Scientists (AAPS) Annual Meeting in Los Angeles reveals that tumor-penetrating microparticles (TPM) have been specifically designed to break through hard-to-infiltrate barriers and deliver drugs more effectively and efficiently than the standard form of chemotherapy such as those injected through a vein.

Early-stage, HER2-positive breast cancer patients at increased risk of recurrence
Early-stage breast cancer patients with HER2 positive tumors one centimeter or smaller are at significant risk of recurrence of their disease, compared to those with early-stage disease who do not express the aggressive protein, according to a study led by researchers at The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center.

A Potential Anti-cancer Agent
Pateamine A (PatA), a natural product first isolated from marine sponges, has attracted considerable attention as a potential anti-cancer agent, and now a new activity has been found for it, which may reveal yet another anti-cancer mechanism.
More Cancer Cells Current Events and Cancer Cells News Articles
One Renegade Cell: The Quest For The Origin Of Cancer (Science Masters)

One Renegade Cell: The Quest For The Origin Of Cancer (Science Masters)
by Robert A. Weinberg (Author)

For everyone whose life has been touched by cancer, One Renegade Cell tells the story of the search for the ultimate causes of this dreaded disease.

"One Renegade Cell…offers a breathtaking picture, both wonderful and frightening, of the fantastic intricacy of aberrant cellular functioning." -New York Times

"Part primer, part history and part meditation. [One Renegade Cell] succeeds on all counts." -Wall Street Journal

One of the leading cancer researchers in the world, Robert A. Weinberg is perfectly suited to describe the search for cancer's origins from the early days of this century to the present. Presuming little knowledge of biology, he tells how a cancer-causing virus was first discovered in 1909, how the correlation was made between chemical ...

Cancer Cell Culture: Methods and Protocols (Methods in Molecular Medicine)

Cancer Cell Culture: Methods and Protocols (Methods in Molecular Medicine)
by Simon P. Langdon (Editor)

Western General Hospital, Edinburgh, UK. Describes easy-to-follow methods for guiding researchers on new techniques in cell and molecular biology of cancer, Features the basic concept of cancer cell culture and general techniques used in many cell culture facilities. Also covers the isolation of specific cancer cell types. For researchers.

Destroying Cancer Cells Using Your Subconscious Mind a Guided Imagery and Subliminal program

Destroying Cancer Cells Using Your Subconscious Mind a Guided Imagery and Subliminal program
Starring: Steve Murray
Directed By: Steve Murray

The DVD has two separate "Destroying Cancer Cells" self-help programs: A Guided Imagery and a Subliminal program. Both have easy-to-follow directions and can be used before, during, and after cancer treatments. Guided Imagery is the language of the mind. It is a way of communicating with parts of the body that cannot speak in words. You will learn this language in the DVD. Research has shown Guided Imagery is a powerful self-help tool. The Guided Imagery program starts with a relaxation technique, then guides you through ten imagery segments. Subliminal Messages have been used for years by advertisers to reprogram and change one s subconscious mind about their products. With this DVD, you will use Subliminal Message s for your benefit. During the subliminal program all you have to do is...

Maximum Intenational Maximize Graviola 750, 750mg Graviola, 100 Veggie Caps

Maximum Intenational Maximize Graviola 750, 750mg Graviola, 100 Veggie Caps
by Maximum International

Having attracted worldwide interest as an inhibitor of malignant cell growth, this remarkable Amazonian herb has been studied in more than 20 laboratory tests for its anti-tumor and cell protective qualities. The best Graviola on the market. Maximum Int'l. is the company with the most potent products available. Lab tested to make sure the ingredients are of the most superior quality and highes quality raw materials available. This product is manufactured in an FDA inspected and GMP certified facility. Quality is guaranteed.

Cancer Research / Testing Cells

Cancer Research / Testing Cells
Directed By: Rex Barnett



Breast Cancer Awareness Cell Phone Case - Pink

Breast Cancer Awareness Cell Phone Case - Pink
by Vertik


Breast Cancer Awareness Cell Phone Case - Pink Pink Ribbon Embossed Vertik Universal Case. Constructed of Durable Impact resistant material. Fits These Model Numbers: Audiovox CDM-8500, CDM-8600, CDM-8615, CDM-8900, CDM-8910, Flasher_V7, PM-8920, Vox_8610, Kyocera 5135, KX1_SoHo, KX1v, S-14_OPAL, LG 1010, C1300, C1300i, C1500, C2000, G4010_G4011, G4015, G4050, L1150, L1200, L1400, L1400i, LX1200, VI125, VX 1, VX 10, VX3100, VX3100L, VX3200, VX4400, VX4500, VX4600, VX6000, VX6100, Motorola A840, E310, E815, T720c, T720i, T721, T722i, T725e, T730, T731c, V170, V173, V180, V186, V188, V190, V220, V260, V262, V265, V266, V276, V300, V330, V360, V400, V505, V540, V551, V555, V557, V600, V60c, V60g, V60i, V60t, V60ti, V60v, V60x, V66, V710, V810, Nokia 3155i, 6101, 6102, 6255i, 6256i,...

Cell Phone Strap - Breast Cancer Support Pink Ribbon - 8"

Cell Phone Strap - Breast Cancer Support Pink Ribbon - 8"
by Trutex



Dissolving & Destroying Cancer Cells "A Guided Imagery Program" [VHS]

Dissolving & Destroying Cancer Cells "A Guided Imagery Program" [VHS]
Also With: steve murray (Primary Contributor)

Steve Murray the author of "Cancer Guided Imagery Program for Radiation, Chemotherapy, Surgery and Recovery" now has a series of DVDs and Videos that will help you:

Tap into the Healing Power of the Body and Mind Connection This program when used in conjunction with your prescribed medical treatment shows you how to do just that. With easy to understand explanations and directions, you will be able to start a Cancer Guided Imagery Program right away.

Guided Imagery is the language of the mind. It is a way of communicating with parts of ourselves that cannot speak in words. You will use this language in the program.

Program Includes:

-Directions on how to do program-Guided relaxation and ten Cancer Guided Imagery segments-Soothing music, calm peaceful images- Verbal and...

  Cancer and the Immune System : Cell-to-Cell Communication, An Introduction (31 minute colour VHS video) (NTSC video)
by Spektrum Videothek

Produced in Germany. In English. "This documentary focuses on... findings in immunilogical research."

Fight Against Kidney (Renal Cell) Cancer Sweatshirt XX-Large White

Fight Against Kidney (Renal Cell) Cancer Sweatshirt XX-Large White
by Shop Zeus



© 2009 BrightSurf.com