American researchers have developed gold-based nanoparticles capable of targeting and destroying cancer cells by effectively “cooking” them. These microscopic, spherical particles selectively bind to malignant cells and eliminate them with heat. This ingenious method is now being tested on melanoma, an aggressive skin cancer.

The Challenge of Melanoma

Melanoma is one of the most common malignant skin cancers, known for its rapid spread. While early-stage melanoma can often be treated successfully with surgery, late-stage detection drastically reduces survival rates, with only 5% of patients living beyond five years. Traditional treatments like chemotherapy and radiation often fall short, prompting researchers to explore innovative therapies. At the American Chemical Society’s annual conference, Jin Zhang and his team from the University of California, Santa Cruz, presented promising results from their novel approach.

How the Method Works

The researchers created nanometer-sized hollow gold spheres coated with special peptides—short chains of amino acids. These “antennas” are designed to latch onto molecules present exclusively on the surface of cancer cells, ensuring selective targeting.

In animal trials, the nanoparticles were injected into cancerous mice, where they successfully attached to the tumor cells. The next step involved exposing the nanoparticles to near-infrared light. Gold nanoparticles absorb this light efficiently, heating up and subsequently “cooking” the cancer cells they are attached to. The process, known as photothermal ablation therapy (PAT), resulted in the selective destruction of tumor cells without harming healthy tissue.

Why Gold?

Gold nanoparticles have significant advantages over other materials. They are highly efficient at absorbing near-infrared light, a spectrum that penetrates skin and surface tissues well. Additionally, gold is less likely to cause adverse effects compared to other metals. These hollow gold spheres, measuring 30-50 nanometers in diameter, are much smaller than previously tested particles, making them more effective at targeting tumors.

The selective destruction of cancer cells is enhanced by the peptide “antennas” developed in collaboration with Chun Li’s team at the Anderson Cancer Center in Houston. These peptides bind to receptors produced in high quantities by melanoma cells but absent in healthy ones. This targeted approach is eight times more effective than using bare nanoparticles.

The Road Ahead

Following the success of animal trials, the next step involves clinical testing on humans. However, this will require extensive preclinical toxicity studies to ensure safety. Despite the long road to medical application, these results underscore the potential of nanotechnology in the fight against cancer.

The method also highlights the broader implications of PAT for treating surface and near-surface cancers, as it minimizes damage to surrounding healthy tissues. By reducing the intensity of the light source required, the treatment becomes even safer and more precise.

A Future in Cancer Therapy?

While much work remains, this innovative approach demonstrates how nanotechnology can revolutionize cancer treatment. The use of hollow gold nanoparticles is a promising example of how science is turning futuristic ideas into practical applications, bringing hope to millions battling cancer worldwide.


Source: Origo

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