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Cancer Cures and Nanomolecules

Cancer treatment is moving beyond the bounds of drugs and chemotherapy and into the realm of nanotechnology. The use of nanomolecules for cancer treatment is only in its infancy, but the possibilities of its use to treat and possibly eradicate cancer is enough to make is a priority to the National Institute of Health.

  1. Nanotechnology and Cancer

    • Nanoscience is the study of molecules on a level 1 billionth of a meter in size. When dealing with molecules on this level, they have properties and uses that are not possible on a macro level. Scientists have begun examining how these molecules can be used to treat and eradicate cancer. Several universities and government institutions have dedicated money and resources to develop this important and new frontier of science.

      Doxil and Abraxane are two approved cancer drugs--Doxil for ovarian cancer, Abraxane for breast cancer. These drugs use nanomolecules that are connected to cancer medication to fight and eradicate the cancer cells. There are several more cancer treatments on the horizon and nanotechnology is becoming a premiere science for cancer treatment.

    Nano Bees and Nano Missiles

    • Siteman Center of Cancer Nanotechnology Excellence at Washington University in St. Louis, Missouri is developing a type of cancer treatment involving the introduction of melitten, synthetic bee venom, into cancer cells using "nanobees." These "nanobees" are nanomolecules that are designed to seek out cancer cells and introduce this synthetic bee venom without harming surrounding cells. So far, this has been used only in mice, but clinical trials are expected next year.

      Argonne National Laboratory and University of Chicago are developing cancer targeting nanomissiles using an inorganic/organic molecule of titanium dioxide and an antibody that seeks out brain cancer cells. Titanium dioxide reacts to light and creates free radicals of oxygen that kill the cancer cells, but do not harm surrounding healthy cells. This has so far only been done in a laboratory setting.

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