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January 2015 | Read this issue and more at www.healthandwellnessmagazine.net |
MAKERS
New Biomarker For Cancer
Detection & Treatment
Scientists at Singapore’s Nanyang
Technological University have created
a new biological marker for cancer
patients that lights up tumor cells and
treats it with drugs at the same time. The
biomarker is a nanophosphor particle
that is ten times smaller than a grain of
sand. “This is the first time we are able
to do bio-imaging, and potentially target
the delivery of drugs at the same time, as
proven in small animal tests,” said Prof.
Joachim Loo, a nanotechnology and
bio-imaging expert. “Our breakthrough
will open up new doors in the various
fields of nanomedicine, bio-imaging
and cancer therapeutics.” What sets this
biomarker apart from current ones is
it is the first that can release drugs and
sense the environment that is around
the tumor, while the other ones can
only show images. This biomarker is
coated in a layer of anti-cancer drugs
that can be released if necessary. The
team is working on loading multiple
layers of drugs onto the marker in order
to administer smaller doses for more
accuracy. Other differences with this
biomarker: It has twice the contrast of
conventional dyes and is able to emit up
to three different colors of light, which
allows for better differentiation between
healthy and tumorous cells; and it uses
near infrared light, which prevents any
damage to healthy cells. It is non-toxic
and flushed out of the body in two days.
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