In a recent breakthrough, researchers have discovered a revolutionary cancer treatment that leaves healthy cells largely unharmed.
Scientists at RMIT University have developed cancer-destroying tiny particles called ‘nanodots’ that can destroy cancer cells while protecting healthy cells.
These nanoparticles are made of molybdenum oxide and release reactive oxygen molecules. These unstable molecules can push cancer cells into apoptosis, programmed cell death, as reported by the study’s lead researchers, Professor Jian Zhen Ou and Dr Baoyue Zhang.
During the experimental phase, these nanodots show high efficiency in killing cervical cancer cells, three times faster than healthy cells over 24 hours.
“Cancer cells already live under higher stress than healthy cells. Our particles push that stress a little further – enough to cause self-destruction in cancer cells, while healthy cells can handle it just fine,” said Zhang.
The recent experiment offers important advantages over existing cancer treatments. Existing cancer therapies damage both healthy body cells and tumors. In contrast to light-dependent therapies, the nanodots can also work effectively in complete darkness.
Additionally, Nanodots are made from commonly used metal oxide, offering a more affordable and safer option.
The research involves a global collaboration between the Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health (Melbourne) and several institutions in China (Southeast, Hong Kong Baptist and Xidian Universities).
The research is still in its early stages, as it has only been tested on laboratory-grown cells. It has not yet been tested on animals or humans.
