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Nanoparticles for
detection of breast cancer metastases
This research article describes the development and early pre-clinical testing of nanoparticles for detection of breast cancer metastases. The nanoparticles were superparamagnetic, covalently linked to a peptide hormone (luteinizing hormone releasing hormone) to specifically seek out breast cancer tumors and metastases. The nanoparticle (LHRH-SPION) is 30 nm in diameter, neutral of charge, and is incorporated into the target cells through a receptor mediated mechanism. This feature facilitates high specificity, faster and increased cellular uptake of particles within the cancer cells that express receptors for LHRH. This nanoparticulate contrast agent is a novel concept and is expected to have several advantages compared to currently used contrast agents such as 1. not toxic, 2. high specificity and selectivity for tumor cells and metastases. 2. no side effects, 3. no effect on immune system. 4. Low macrophage recognition, therefore increased circulation 5. Due to nanometer size the particles can be easily distributed. 6. Have easy access to tumor tissue and metastases. 7. Drastic reduction of required contrast agent dosage for detection of metastases and primary tumors may be possible with a higher degree of image resolution.
Bibliographic reference:
Carola Leuschner Pennington Biomedical Research Center, LSU System, Baton Rouge, LA, USA
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