Nanoparticle therapy brings new hope to prostate cancer patients

The wavelength of 810 nm is optimal for energy absorption/excitation of nanoshells (orange) compared to hemoglobin (red) and water (blue). The nanoshell diameter is approximately 150 nm, which is 46 times smaller than a red blood cell (RBC). NIR refers to near-infrared rays. Credit: Journal of Urology (2024). DOI: 10.1097/JU.0000000000004222
Prostate cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death in American men. A recent study conducted by researchers at the University of Virginia, Mount Sinai, the University of Michigan, the University of Texas, and others has demonstrated the clinical success of a new nanoparticle-based laser-guided therapy in the treatment of prostate cancer.
The study will be published in the Journal of Urology.
The study, which involved 44 men with localized prostate cancer, combined gold nanoshells with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and ultrasound fusion (an advanced technology that enhances MRI data) to precisely identify prostate cancer tissue. targeted and removed.
Gold nanoshells are tiny particles thousands of times smaller than a human hair that can be designed to strongly absorb light at specific wavelengths and generate heat. In this case, the gold nanoshells were designed to accumulate within the tumor, enabling highly targeted near-infrared laser therapy that heats and destroys cancerous tissue while sparing surrounding healthy cells. Masu.
This innovative method, called nanoparticle-directed focal photothermal ablation, was successful in eliminating cancer cells in 73% of patients after 12 months, as confirmed by negative biopsies of the treated area. Importantly, this treatment allowed us to achieve these results without any observed side effects, while preserving important functions such as urinary and sexual health, significantly improving the patient’s quality of life.
“Our findings represent a major advance in prostate cancer treatment. This treatment not only effectively eliminates cancer cells, but also preserves important quality of life components. , this is a huge win for patients,” said Dr. Jennifer L. West. Dean of the College of Engineering and Applied Sciences at the University of Virginia, author of this paper and inventor of the technology.
“This study shows the strength of interdisciplinary collaboration,” West continued. “Together, we are pushing the boundaries of what is possible in cancer treatment, and we are thrilled to be at the forefront of this innovation.”
Further information: Steven E. Canfield et al, A Multi-Institutional Study of Magnetic Resonance/Ultrasound Fusion-Guided Nanoparticle-Directed Focal Therapy for Prostate Ablation, Journal of Urology (2024). DOI: 10.1097/JU.0000000000004222
Provided by University of Virginia
Citation: Nanoparticle therapy brings new hope to prostate cancer patients (October 16, 2024) from https://phys.org/news/2024-10-nanoparticle-therapy-prostate-cancer-patients.html Retrieved October 17, 2024
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