Alternative Medicine

摘要

Researchers at Queen Mary, University of London, are investigating an external radiofrequency (RF) drug-delivery technique that could provide a non-toxic alternative to cancer treatment.rnThe process works by using RF to heat targeted gold nanoparticles and nanorods embedded in polymer shells of 10-20nm. The increase in temperature alters the capsule permeability to release loaded drugs into targeted areas of disease without damaging the surrounding tissue.rnSimilar techniques have been explored using the absorbance of light in the near-infrared (NIR) spectrum to heat nanoparticles. A European project, led by Phillips, has been examining the use of ultrasound pulses to trigger drug release in targeted areas of the body (The Engineer, 15 October 2008).