10 Dec 2020 Share:
Targeted cancer treatment just got a navigation system. A research team from Leeds has successfully wrapped what might otherwise be toxic anti-cancer agent in what are effectively pre-programmed microbubbles. Drug-laden microbubbles are attracted to the site of the tumour using specialist antibodies before being popped to release a targeted and highly precise dose using a pulse of ultrasound.
Image: Microbubbles carry the anticancer drug to the site of the tumour. Antibodies attached to the microbubbles are attracted to the growth hormone found around cancer cells. Once in situ, an ultrasound device is used to burst the bubbles, releasing the drug.