A New Breakthrough In Cancer Treatment Developed

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You might have seen your close ones suffering from cancer or even succumb to the deadly disease. The pain, both physically and mentally that they would be undergoing is something that can wrench your heart.

Well gone are the days. Now with the advancement of science and technology cancer has now become a curable disease. In what can be called a new breakthrough in cancer treatment, scientists have developed 'smart' self-regulating nanoparticles which heat up to a temperature high enough to kill cancerous cells, while too low to harm the healthy tissue and help treat cancer.

According to the researchers from the University of Surrey in the UK, who developed the new nano-particles said that the self-stopping nanoparticles can be used as part of hyperthermic-thermotherapy to treat cancer patients.

However, it is a known fact that thermotherapy has long been used as a treatment method for cancer, but it is difficult to treat patients without damaging healthy cells.

During several researches it was found that the tumour cells can be weakened or killed without affecting normal tissue if temperatures can be controlled accurately within a range of 42 to 45 degrees Celsius.

"This could potentially be a game changer in the way we treat people who have cancer," said Professor Ravi Silva, Head of the Advanced Technology Institute at Surrey.

"If we can keep cancer treatment sat at a temperature level high enough to kill the cancer, while low enough to stop harming healthy tissue, it will prevent some of the serious side effects of vital treatment," said Silva.

Scientists, including those from the Dalian University of Technology in China, created the nanoparticles which, when implanted and used in a thermotherapy session, can induce temperatures of up to 45 degrees Celsius.

The zinc-cobalt-chromium (Zn-Co-Cr) ferrite nanoparticles produced for the study are self-regulating, meaning that they self-stop heating when they reach temperatures over 45 degrees Celsius. The nanoparticles are also low in toxicity and are unlikely to cause permanent damage to the body, researchers said.

"Magnetic induced hyperthermia is a traditional route of treating malignant tumours," said Wei Zhang, associate professor at Dalian University of Technology. "However, the difficulties in temperature control has significantly restricted its usage.

"If we can modulate the magnetic properties of the nanoparticles, the therapeutic temperature can be self- regulated, eliminating the use of clumsy temperature monitoring and controlling systems," Zhang said.

The study was recently published in the journal Nanoscale.

Meanwhile, also learn about a few of the basic tips to prevent cancer. Take a look.

Healthy Diet:

A healthy diet is the secret to good health. In order to prevent cancer it is imperative to include lots of vegetables, fruits and fibre rich foods like legumes and even nuts in your daily diet. Also avoiding processed foods is a must to prevent cancer risk.

Avoid Tobacco:

Smoking and tobacco use in any form has been linked to various types of cancer. Hence it is important to avoid tobacco use.

Exercise:

Daily exercise is a must for all. It not just helps in preventing weight gain or obesity but it also helps prevent numerous health problems including cancer.

Limit Alcohol Consumption:

Alcohol abuse is one of the major cause for cancer. Limiting alcohol consumption is a must in order to prevent cancer, especially those related to liver, colon, breast and the lungs.

(With Agency Inputs)