Nanoparticles target brain tumors

ANN ARBOR, Mich., Nov. 15 (UPI) -- U.S. cancer scientists are using nanoparticles loaded with high concentrations of drugs designed to kill brain cancer and to image and track tumors.

University of Michigan Comprehensive Cancer Center researchers incorporated a drug called Photofrin, along with iron oxide, into nanoparticles that can target cancerous brain tumors. Photofrin is a type of photodynamic therapy, in which the drug is drawn through the blood stream to tumor cells. Then a special type of laser light activates the drug to attack the tumor. Iron oxide is a contrast agent used to enhance magnetic resonance imaging.

"Photofrin goes into tumor blood vessels and collapses the vasculature, which then starves the tumor of the blood flow needed to survive," said study author Professor Brian Ross. "The problem with free photofrin therapy is that it can cause damage to healthy tissue. In our study, the nanoparticle becomes a vehicle to deliver the drug directly to the tumor."

Ross notes further laboratory research is needed before the nanoparticle technology can be tested in human clinical trials.

Results of the study appear in the current issue of the journal Clinical Cancer Research.