Nanotechnology research has innovated new ways to combat cancer and destroy tumor cells. There are even some nanotechnology cancer-fighting drugs that have passed regulations and are available on the market. Research continues on nanoparticle, nanoshell, and nanosensor based treatments and technologies that can aid in tumor detection as well as removal. Nanoparticles are able to use their size to be able to be injected into the body and infiltrate tumor cells. Researchers are even working on ways to make specialized nanoparticles to seek out and identify specific cells, like tumors, and attach to them. Other cancer fighting nanotechnology and nanoparticles include using colloidal gold nanoshells to explode tumor cells, as well as locate and illuminate tumors for surgical removal. As well, experimental procedures are being studied for using magnetic nanoparticles to flush out cancerous cells from the body. Information on the latest research into nanotechnology and cancer treatments is available online through specific medical nanotechnology companies.
Nanotechnology applications in cancer treatment include both methods of diagnosing and identifying cancers and tumor cells, as well treating and killing cancers. The diverse characteristics of nanotechnology and nanoparticles, including their minute size, ability to change the structure of compounds without causing damage to other areas, and ability to be manipulated and design have allowed them in a quick span of time offer up many new solutions for dealing with cancer treatment. For instance colloidal gold nanoshells are powerful instrument that allows doctors to take precise and detailed images of tumors in preparation for surgery. After the shells are injected into the body they seek out the tumors, penetrate inside, and when exposed to an external, concentrated light source, turn a fluorescent color that guides surgeons.
Nanotechnology is also the focus of many research and experiment ventures in cancer fighting treatments and drugs. One method is to use nanoparticles as a drug delivery system; due to their penetrating size, the particles are able to get inside cancer and tumor cells and deliver medicines directly. This results in an increased bioavailability of the drug, and no wasted medicine. Researchers also speculate nanotechnology particles could be used in such a delivery system that would minimalize the violent side effects that some cancer drugs cause when they are administrated on a body-wide scale.
Nanotechnology has the potential to save lives from cancer by making theoretical medical procedures possible. To find out more on how nanoparticle applications are making an impact on cancer research and medicine, visit the website of a medical nanotechnology company.