The Alivisato cancer treatment is based on the premise that nanotechnology can help detect biomarkers released by cancers in the earliest stage of cancers. It is universally accepted that early detection of cancer can help treat the cancer more efficiently. The prognosis of such a treatment is much better than that which is given after the anatomic anomalies are detected. This can have a revolutionary impact in the detection and treatment of cancers.
Nanotechnology in Cancer Treatment
Nanotechnology in cancer is one of the newest areas of research in the field of medicine. Cancer diagnosis has always remained a challenge, especially in its earliest stages. With the help of nanotechnology, molecular imaging is now available and this can help detect the tumor mass right from the time that they attain the size of about 100 cells. As opposed to the current techniques of imaging and clinical diagnosis, the nanotechnology methods are much advanced and accurate.
Molecular Cancer Imaging
The tumors are targeted using the molecular imaging technology. These imaging devices emit waves which are of very minute wavelengths. The size of these wavelengths is also tunable. These wavelengths also have high molar extinction coefficients. The biomarkers are able to conjugate with a copolymer. This improves the biocompatibility. This allows the imaging techniques to image the smallest of abnormal cellular masses.
Significance of Nanotechnology in Cancer Treatment
There are two key challenges in cancer therapy. The first is to target the cancer and the second is to localize the cancer to treat it. In order to be able to effectively treat the cancer, the cancer cells have to be isolated. This allows the normal tissues from escaping the damage caused by the anti cancer drugs. Systemic application of anti cancer drugs can cause severe side effects. However, when the cancer cells are isolated, the normal cells are not disturbed.
Tools used in Nanotechnology for Cancer Treatment
Some of the tools used in nanotechnology are cantilevers, nanopores, nanotubes, quantum dots, dendrimer and the most recently invented nanoshells. There are a number of nanoparticles that can help facilitate delivery of drugs. These molecules can be excellent biomarkers, binding with the cancer cells and allowing the imaging techniques to gather an accurate image of the cancer.
Considerations
While theoretically, nanotechnology can help give new dimensions to the treatment of cancers. Unfortunately, much of nanotechnology imaging is still in the stage of basic research. There are still attempts to better understand the functioning of the technology in areas of treatment of cancer. There are serious considerations about the phenomena, like sticking of the nanoparticles to cancer cells and friction. Since nanoparticles are very small, they may be eliminated from the body before they can be used for imaging or other kinds of detection.
Tags: cancer cells, Cancer Treatment, Nanotechnology Cancer Treatment, anti cancer, anti cancer drugs, cancer drugs, help detect