Magnets 'could target cancer'

Last Modified: 17 Apr 2008
Source: PA News

Gene therapy for cancer could become a reality using cells armed with microscopic magnets, a study suggests.

Immune system cells are potentially ideal delivery vehicles for therapeutic genes that fight cancer.

But in the past scientists have found that the cells reach tumours in insufficient numbers.

The new "magnetic targeting" technique developed by British researchers overcomes this problem.

It involves inserting tiny "nanomagnets" into white blood cells called monocytes which are used to carry the anti-cancer genes.

A small magnet is then placed over the tumour which attracts the monocytes after they are injected into the bloodstream.

Researchers demonstrated the system in mice at the University of Sheffield.

Professor Claire Lewis, who heads the laboratory, said: "The use of nanoparticles to enhance the uptake of therapeutically armed cells by tumours could herald a new era in gene therapy - one in which delivery of the gene therapy vector to the diseased site is much more effective.

"This new technique could also be used to help deliver therapeutic genes in other diseases like arthritic joints or ischaemic (starved of blood) heart tissue."

The team is now looking at how effective magnetic targeting is at delivering a variety of different cancer-fighting genes, including ones which could halt the spread of tumours.

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