More Effective Heat Treatment for Cancer
The new research will begin by injecting nanoparticles coated with monoclonal antibodies designed to latch onto target cancer cells. When the nanoparticles are subsequently exposed to a radiofrequency field, they absorb and emit the energy as heat, raising temperatures in the tumor cells.
Research will initially concentrate on human breast cancer tumors that overexpress the HER2/neu protein. These tumors comprise about 20 percent of the clinical volume of all breast cancers. An antibody to this protein already exists in the form of Herceptin, an anticancer drug that has proved effective against certain aggressive breast cancers. This drug will be used to coat the nanoparticles prior to radiofrequency exposure.
Tracking Results
By labeling the Herceptin with radioactive iodine, Foundation scientists will be able to follow the distribution of the nanoparticles through the mouse system. Specially-designed heat probes will measure and record the real time temperature within the primary tumor and the normal tissue.
The initial objective is to maintain elevated temperatures of 45-46° C in the tumor and 37° C in the surrounding tissues. But temperatures, combined with levels of chemotherapy, will be adjusted to achieve optimal results – the complete destruction of tumors and minimal incidence of recurrence.
If results are as expected, the Foundation will expand its hyperthermia investigations. Application will be made to conduct clinical trials in humans of the new treatment. Also, other tumors and other biomarkers (beyond HER2) will be researched. Though not a new concept, the use of nanoparticles has infused new hope into hyperthermia as a more effective cancer treatment.
News
In Mice, Cancer Drug Shows Effect on Alzheimer's Symptoms
The cancer drug bexarotene quickly eliminates Alzheimer's disease-associated amyloid beta from the brain and reverses memory problems in mice, a new study finds. The results suggest that bexarotene could help the 5.4 million Americans with Alzheimer's disease.
Genetic Breakthrough for Brain Cancer in Children
An international research team has made a breakthrough that could change the way pediatric cancers are treated in the future. The researchers identified two genetic mutations responsible for up to 40 per cent of glioblastomas in children.
Reasons for Hope
Overexpressing HER2/neu
Normal breast tissue cells, and most tumor cells, have only one copy of each of the HER2 gene. This gene produces a few protein receptors on the cell’s surface, which regulates important cell functions, such as division and adhesion. The receptor is stimulated by growth factors. In about 20% of breast cancers, tumor cells have multiple copies of the gene that regulates the growth factor. These multi-copy gene celles are very malignant because they “overexpress” HER2/neu receptors creating an explosive cell growth potential with each gene capable of creating up to six receptors.
Stay Connected
Affiliates and Resources
