New drug delivery system to improve cancer treatment

Scientists at the USA’s Syracuse University's Chemistry Department have created a new drug delivery system expected to advance the effectiveness of cancer-killing drugs. It uses gold nanoparticles with attached DNA that binds to a proven anti-cancer drug, doxorubicin or DOX.

Preliminary tests indicate this delivery device has the potential to significantly improve the results of cancer chemotherapy. DOX is currently used against cancers of the breast, bone marrow, thyroid, bladder, ovary, small cell lung and several others.

"The possibilities of this new system are really exciting," says SU Professor James Dabrowiak. "For example, it would be easy to add to the device molecules that have the ability to target cancer cells. Another possibility is using light excitation to release high concentrations of an anti-tumor drug directly within the tumor," he adds.