Nanoparticle may Reduce Radiation Side Effects
Reported November 21, 2005

 
(Ivanhoe Newswire) -- A new study shows a microscopic nanaoparticle may help protect normal tissue from the damage of radiation therapy.

Researchers from Jefferson Medical College at Thomas Jefferson University in Philadelphia and from Jefferson's Kimmel Cancer Center say the nanoparticle acts like an oxygen sink, binding to dangerous oxygen radicals produced by radiation. The structure is known as a fullerene, which researchers see as a potentially new class of radioprotective agents.

The scientists tested the radiation protective agent, CD60_DF1 on tiny zebrafish embryos. The embryos are transparent and allow scientists to closely observe cancer treatments' damage to organs. They found when CD60_DF1 is given before or immediately after exposure to X-rays, it reduced organ damage by one-half to two-thirds, which is as good as the level of protection given by Amifostine.

Amifostine is currently the only drug approved by the Food and Drug Administration to help protect normal tissue from the side effects of chemotherapy and radiation. Researchers would like to develop new and improved treatments.

Future studies may include exploring fullerene's ability to prevent some of the long-term side effects of radiation, such as fibrosis in the leg.


SOURCE: AACR-NCI-EORTC International Conference on Molecular Targets and Cancer Therapeutics in Philadelphia, Nov. 14 - Nov. 18, 2005