Magnetic response gives hope to tumour patients
A new way of fighting prostate cancer with microscopic magnets shows promise as a treatment for advanced disease, experts say.
In laboratory tests, magnetic nanoparticles were used to steer therapeutic white blood cells into the hearts of tumours. The macrophage blood cells were “armed” with a virus which began to replicate after reaching the cancer target.
Once infected, the cancer cells were destroyed. At the same time the multiplying virus spread to attack neighbouring prostate cancer cells.
The findings were presented yesterday at the National Cancer Institute Cancer Conference taking place in Liverpool.