Nanopolymers Open New Way to Detect Cancerous Tumors

Iranian researchers succeeded in the synthesis of a new type of polymer that has medical properties to detect breast cancer and hepatic tumors in early stages.

The drug which was synthesized in association with Control Laboratory of Food and Drug Department of Iran's Ministry of Health, Hygiene, and Medical Education can be used in MRI as the contrast agents in addition to curing cancerous tumors.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the contrast optimization of silicon-based gadolinium oxide nanoparticles with nanocomposite coating, and to compare gadolinium nanoparticle with the common contrast agent in magnetic resonance imaging (Magnevist). In this study, the new emulsion made of gadolinium oxide nanoparticle and POSS-PCU nanocomposite was investigated. In comparison with Magnevist, gadolinium oxide nanoparticles can increase the signal of MRI by reducing relaxation time or by increasing the rate of relaxation. They can also create high contrast optimization in MRI as positive contrast in comparison with iron oxide nanoparticles (negative contrast agent).

In line with targeting methods and through connecting to biocompatible materials, the new medicine has obtained other useful results in drug delivery in order to detect lymphatic glands of breast cancer and hepatic tumors.

Since the non-nanoic sample of this drug has acquired the confirmation of US Foodstuff and Medications Standard Organization, it has FDA certificate. The drug has passed the laboratorial and animal tests, and it is going to be tested on humans too.

Results of the research have been published in December 2010 in Biological Trace Element Research, vol. 137, issue 3. For more information about the details of the research, study the full article on pages 324-334 on the same journal.