Apr 12, 2006 Nanoparticles target prostate cancer Researchers at
Harvard Medical School, US, Massachusetts Institute of
Technology (MIT), US, and Gwangju Institute of Science and
Technology in Korea have created drug-containing nanoparticles
that can target prostate cancer cells. In tests, five out of
seven mice showed complete tumour reduction. "We were interested
in developing a system for targeted delivery – intracellular
uptake – and controlled release of an active chemotherapy drug
over an extended period of time directly inside the cancer
cells," Omid Farokhzad told nanotechweb.org. "To achieve this
combination of effects, we developed nanoparticles (∼150 nm)
using the polylactic-co-glycolic acid (PLGA) controlled release
polymer system and encapsulated decetaxel within the particles."
Farokhzad and colleagues also attached RNA molecules called
aptamers to the surface of the nanoparticles. "Aptamers can bind
to the surface of prostate cancer cells," he explained. "The
result is that the particles attach