Researchers at the University of Illinois have developed magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) that can directly deliver chemotherapeutic drugs to hard-to-reach spinal tumors. Magnets, implanted just under the skin covering the spinal vertebrae, can attract bio-compatible nanoparticles containing tiny metallic magnets conjugated with chemotherapeutic drugs. The MNPs that are injected in space around the spinal cord can be guided by the magnet to the tumor. Though the research is still in a nascent stage, the results obtained are promising.
Source: Kheirkhah P, Denyer S, Bhimani AD, et al. Scientific Reports. 2018; 8:11417. Do you think that this new technology will help target chemotherapeutic agents to inaccessible spinal tumors?
