Nanotube Cancer Therapy

U.K. researchers recently discovered a means to launch a 3-way attack on cancer using nanotechnology. They found that gold nanotubes (tiny tubular structures that are shaped like drinking straws, only much, much smaller) can not only be used to enhance diagnosis through high resolution imaging, but also to treat tumors by delivering drug therapy and actually destroying cancer cells with heat.

The key to their research is a technique that allows control of the nanotube length. When the dimensions are correct, the tubes will selectively absorb near-infrared light. By simply adjusting the intensity, they can then perform multiple functions. Under low brightness, human skin is rendered virtually transparent, allowing for direct visualization of tumors using an imaging technique known as “multispectral optoacoustic tomography” (MSOT). However, at higher intensities, the nanotubes will heat up enough to kill neighboring cancer cells. The tubular shape also enables them to be loaded with therapeutic drugs to be delivered directly at the tumor site, reducing or eliminating the need for chemotherapy and/or radiation. Testing indicates that the nanotubes are harmlessly excreted from the body with no toxic side effects.

This is the first time gold nanotubes have been used within a living organism. To date, laboratory tests have been conducted only in mouse models, but early clinical studies are planned for the future.