As medical professionals strive to discover a cure for cancer, researchers in this field are discovering new ways to incorporate alternative methods in the development of treatments. Magnetic fields inherent in nanoparticles, for instance, have been found to heat up when in contact with strong magnets. When introduced to tumors, physicians can actually dispose of the negative growth by cooking it from the inside out.

Nanoparticle research combines with cancer research

According to Nanotech-Now, researchers and scientists at Nanoprobes have injected charged nanoparticles into animals, yielding an 80 percent success rate in the elimination of cancerous cells. Although earlier attempts at utilizing this technology have failed because of inconsistent placement of the nanoparticles and the chance that some infected cells might regrow, new methods for injecting the treatment have led to the ability to implement it directly into the bloodstream. As a result, this decreases the probability of the cancer recurring. The solution to this problem involved adjusting the amount of iron that entered the body. As the nanoparticles are iron-based, introducing the body to high quantities of this mineral through the bloodstream would have poisoned the patient. Because injecting the tumor directly was not accurate enough, the source reported that Nanoprobes​' scientists developed a nontoxic iron substitute that retains the same magnetic properties but can travel safely throughout the body. The new nanoparticle contains an iron core and a biocompatible shell. Additionally, they have been designed to fit easily into the blood vessels of new tumorous growth, which will help guide them into the cancerous tissue. After a designated amount of time has passed for the nanoparticles to reach infected tissues, they are heated up with a magnetic field. According to the source, healthy tissue surrounding the growth is left unharmed and the tumors themselves are dissolved. Dr. James Hainfeld, senior scientist at Nanoprobes and one of the original architects, told the news source that he was hopeful for the technology. "After so many years in the trenches, I tend to be cautious," he said. "But I've never seen such promising results. We're very hopeful."

Other developments in cancer research

According to Northeastern's website, similar nano technologies are under development by using concentrated treatment therapies. Rather than flooding the bloodstream with iron-based particles, however, the source reported that this strategy is controlled remotely via a computer program to activate the magnetic fields. Although no such software currently exists, further research is required to determine the efficacy of this strategy. Medical Xpress reported that magnetic resonance (MR) is being utilized in treatments for breast cancer, as well. According to the source, an MR-guided focused ultrasound also uses heat generated by magnetic fields to find and destroy cancerous tissues. Additionally, this strategy can locate hard-to-reach lesions without requiring an invasive procedure. As most treatments typically involve injections or incisions, this approach provides patients with more comfort throughout the process. One important aspect of this procedure is determining the treatment temperature when delivered. By utilizing the same MRI capabilities, clinicians can guide the imaging equipment probe function and ensure that the heat remains at a safe level simultaneously. "This is carried out by a special sequence that is called MR thermometry," Dr. Alessandro Napoli, assistant professor of radiology, told the news source. "Only MRI presently  has the ability to determine, in real time, fine temperature quantification." The potency of MRI equipment is controlled by the physician to prevent negative side effects. Although cube magnets or sphere magnets may not be able to defeat cancer alone, these medical breakthroughs prove that magnetism may play a crucial role in future treatments.

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