Scientists from Sheffield University in the UK are currently developing an advanced treatment for breast, prostate, and other cancerous tumors using magnetically guided microscopic projectiles. The goal of this ambitious undertaking, to guide specialized anti-tumor viruses through the body to their intended target. Built on key scientific breakthroughs from the Massachusetts-based Biotech company, BioVex, this approach utilizes a highly advanced treatment called T-VEC to find and destroy cancer cells while leaving healthy cells unharmed. Similar to computer antivirus software, T-VEC is programmed to search and destroy cancerous cells, reducing the “scorched-earth” effect of most modern-day cancer treatments.  In addition to its ingenious ability to exclusively target cancer cells, the treatment also triggers the body’s natural immunity to fight the source of the virus. Through the combined power of T-VEC and magnet manufacturing soil bacteria, this treatment could change the way our healthcare system treats cancer entirely. 

How Does This Treatment Work? 

According to program leader Dr. Munitta Muthana, “We are taking a class of viruses that naturally target tumors and are developing ways to help them reach internal tumors by exploiting bacteria that make magnets. It’s a twin approach and it has a lot of promise, we believe.” Utilizing a naturally occurring virus known as oncolytic, tumor cells that come into contact with the virus will shrivel and die.  Researchers note that the primary issue with oncolytic is the virus only has the ability to treat skin-deep tumors, leaving a host of other tumors out of the question. Like many other scientists, Dr. Muthana believes magnets may hold the answer to this limitation. Coating the virus in magnetic particles will allow it to be injected into the patient’s bloodstream and directed with exterior magnets placed over the affected area of the patient, surpassing the body’s immune defenses. Think of the magnetic particles as a suit of armor for the virus. 

What Type of Magnets Are Used?

The next issue researchers tackled was the decision to manufacture the magnetic coating in a lab or harvest naturally occurring particles found in nature. The latter proved to be a more sensible choice as manufactured magnets made in a lab are incredibly tedious and time-consuming to create given a max size restriction of fifty nanometers to coat the particles. Researchers discovered that specific types of soil bacteria that synthesize iron oxide nanoparticles are ideal due to their shape and innate ability for survival. Promising results from early clinical trials on animals are propelling the project further toward success. The team at Sheffield is hopeful to begin human trials within the next few years.

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