While cancer cells result in the production of unique proteins which could theoretically aid in detection of the disease, it is not easy to spot these proteins. This is due to the fact that the proteins become weakened in a patient’s bloodstream. Applying nanotechnology may enable scientists to increase the visibility of cancer indicators through engineered biomarkers. This could help doctors more readily locate and identify molecules linked to cancer.
Nanotechnology functions by making use of nanoparticles, which, due to their microscopic size, have properties that are different from those of materials on a larger scale. Scientists treat the nanoparticles with peptides that are susceptible to attack from enzymes called MMPs, which are frequently secreted by cancer cells.
The nanoparticles are injected into a person’s body, and once there, they will connect with a tumor. The cancer enzymes cut many peptides off the nanoparticles into even smaller fragments, which make their way into the bloodstream. The enzymes then build up in the kidneys, which results in biomarkers being passed into a person’s urine. The biomarkers can be identified in the urine, and can help lead to earlier detection of disease. Another benefit of this type of research is that it is far less invasive than other methods of diagnosis, such as a biopsy.
Once the biomarkers have been spotted and sampled, mass spectrometry is utilized to view the particles, and to tell them apart. This helps researchers determine characteristics attached to specific tumors.
The process might also enable tracking of disease proliferation in the body, as well as measuring the effectiveness of treatment on tumors.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is focused on ensuring the safety and effectiveness of nanotechnology as it is applied to medicine, and is actively monitoring developments.
source: cooneyconway.com
