Anti-cancer drugs in the body can now be released “on command”

Scientists have presented a new strategy for treating lung cancer. Payload is released directly

into the tumor using selective agentswhich are less likely to cause off-target effects. In this case, magnetic particles can be launched to release the drug as if “on command.” This requires stimulation with a magnetic field.

Using a new method, the doctor injects nanoparticlesintravenously and then exposes the tumor to an external alternating radiofrequency magnetic field (AMF-RF). Eventually, the nanoparticles will heat up slightly and release the therapeutic payload exactly where it is needed.

The payload in question isis a short chain of RNA known as microRNA. In this case, the researchers coupled nanoparticles with a synthetic version of a microRNA called miR-148b. Previous experiments have shown that it can suppress tumor growth. Using a heat-sensitive chemical bond (the Diels-Alder reaction), they connected the particles and the microRNA. When heated using AMF-RF, it disintegrated and released microRNA.

After testing nanoparticles in cancer cellslungs, the particles were found to successfully penetrate cells and release their microRNA payload when exposed to AMF-RF. A day later, the researchers ran tests to see if the treated cancer cells had died. The experiment showed that most of them actually died.

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