Nanoworms and Malignant Tumors

Filed in archive Medical on May 24, 2008

You've probably heard that Senator Edward M. Kennedy has a malignant brain tumor called glioblastoma. This is really unfortunate news because malignant brain tumors are very difficult to treat. There are no cures or really effective remedies. However, nanotechnology research may improve clinical care as scientists discover new ways to apply technology in healthcare.

Nanoparticles called "nanoworms" may change the way doctors treat tumors. Researchers at the University of California, San Diego are collaborating with other scientists to create nanoworms that resemble earthworms. If these nanoworms can reach microscopic tumor cells, they can deliver drugs to destroy the cancer before it spreads. Can you imagine trying to explain this to a patient? The mention of nanoworms might stir up all sorts of images and preconceived notions of nanobots, robots, and other sci-fi ideas.

You've probably heard that Senator Edward M. Kennedy has a malignant brain tumor called glioblastoma. This is really unfortunate news because malignant brain tumors are very difficult to treat. There are no cures or really effective remedies. However, nanotechnology research may improve clinical care as scientists discover new ways to apply technology in healthcare.

Nanoparticles called "nanoworms" may change the way doctors treat tumors. Researchers at the University of California, San Diego are collaborating with other scientists to create worms that resemble earthworms. If these nanoworms can reach microscopic tumor cells, they can deliver drugs to destroy the cancer before it spreads. Can you imagine trying to explain this to a patient? The mention of nanoworms might stir up all sorts of images and preconceived notions of nanobots, robots, and other sci-fi ideas.

I love how science is advancing medicine. Nanoworms, if successful, could be used in many different areas of healthcare. What's even more exciting is that nanotechnology is so small, that the sky becomes the limit again. How small can you create something? Smaller than you can imagine.