Using gold nanoparticles to hit cancer where it hurts
( Georgia Institute of Technology ) Scientists at the Georgia Institute of Technology have shown that by directing gold nanoparticles into the nuclei of cancer cells, they can not only prevent them from multiplying, but can kill them where they lurk.
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Jenny Felth, Joachim Gullbo, and colleagues note that cardiac glycosides are a family of naturally-derived drugs used to treat congestive heart failure and abnormal heart rhythms. Scientists have suspected for some time, based on previous research, that these heart drugs may have promise for fighting many different types of cancer. Despite this, knowledge on effects in colon cancer or combination effects with other anti-cancer drugs is lacking. But scientists know little about their potential anticancer effects and have not tested these substances against colon cancer.
As part of a larger study to screen and identify natural substances with activity against colon cancer, the scientists picked several cardiac glycosides for further study. They tested five of these heart drugs against laboratory cultures of human colon cancer cells and found that they were all effective, to varying degrees, at killing the cancer cells.
» Read more: Heart Drugs Show Promise for Fighting Colon Cancer
Product Description
For the woman newly diagnosed or “at risk, ” this third book in Dr. Vincent Friedewald’s Ask the Doctor series demystifies breast cancer and helps readers sort through the confusing and conflicting reports that have been released to date. Dr. Friedewald details the steps involved in a thorough diagnosis, proven medical treatments, and what the patient (and her family and friends) can do to aid her recovery. Ask the Doctor series presents accessible medical informati… More >>
» Read more: Ask the Doctor: Breast Cancer