Combined targeted hyperthermia and drug delivery with magnetic nanoparticles

摘要

We have developed systems which utilize electromagnetic irradiation and magnetic nanoparticles loaded with therapeutic agents, guided towards the tumour site and preferentially attached to the tumour to destroy it. The cancer cells are killed by the combined action of the drugs and a mild hyperthermia in the area around the tumour site using externally applied electromagnetic irradiation as well as an increase in the number of free radicals generated in the area of the tumour. Our clinical trials have demonstrated significant effects in the reduction of the tumour size and a 50% to 300% increase in the survival rates (on average) of patients with breast, lung, endometrial, colorectal, malignant melanoma, etc. The unique aspects of our platform technology are (i) synthesis of nanoparticles with high magnetization, (ii) showing less tendency to agglomerate, and (iii) generation of highly non-homogeneous electromagnetic fields to irradiate the region around the tumours.