Cancer drugs in the body can now be released "on command"

Scientists have presented a new strategy for the treatment of lung cancer. The 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 by a magnetic field.

Using a new method, the doctor injects nanoparticlesintravenously, and then exposes the tumor to an alternating radio frequency magnetic field (AMF-RF) from the outside. As a result, the nanoparticles will warm up slightly and release the therapeutic payload exactly where it is needed.

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

After testing nanoparticles in cancer cellslungs, it turned out that the particles successfully penetrate the cells and release the 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 really died.

Read more:

Look at the celestial "Titanic" that will run on nuclear power

NASA figured out how to look for life on Mars: the experiment showed where it could be

Astronomers have found planets that are different from Earth, but suitable for life