CANCER THERAPY A twist on tumour targeting

Some of the challenges involved in modifying the concept of using magnetic micro- and nanoparticles for targeting solid tumors with drugs are discussed. The technology has been modified taking advantage of a different approach to using magnetic particles for treatment. The new technology has the potential to overcome many of the challenges involved in practical application of magnetic targeting in clinical environments. A team of researchers has reported its method for exploiting spin vortices in magnetic discs to mechanically trigger the destruction of cancer cells. Cell death can also be induced at much lower magnetic fields and frequencies by using a mechanical mechanism, reducing potential side effects. One of the reasons that magnetic drug targeting has failed to realize its potential is that the magnetic fields generated by permanent magnets or electromagnets reduce rapidly with distance to the target tissue.