Killing Cancer with Radioactive Nanocrystals
Image courtesy of Chris Orosco/ORNL, U.S. Dept. of Energy Artists’ depiction of a new potential cancer treatment vehicle—an engineered nanometer-size construct that holds a radioactive isotope that can be delivered to destroy cancer cells.
The Department of Energy Isotope Program (DOE IP) continues to enable groundbreaking developments in cancer research through the provision of medically relevant isotopes. Recently, a team at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) studied inorganic nanocrystals loaded with medical radioisotopes presenting a promising new avenue for targeted alpha therapy. This study specifically focused on understanding how actinium and radium isotopes are incorporated into these nanocrystals to target and treat cancer cells. Such therapies could be particularly beneficial for treating localized cancers like breast, brain, and ovarian cancer, but their targeted nature also makes them effective against metastatic tumors anywhere in the body. By minimizing damage to healthy tissues, these therapies promise fewer side effects compared to conventional treatments.
