Scientists are using gold nanoparticles that act as tumour-seeking missiles to target prostate cancer, in a first-of-its-kind clinical trial.
The nanoparticles, or nanoshells, are made of small layers of silica glass formed into a sphere and wrapped in a thin layer of gold.
The shells seek out and saturate cancerous cells, and their advanced vibrational properties are then harnessed to cause the tumourous tissue to pulse with extreme temperature when light is applied through a laser specifically designed to excite the particles.
The oscillation kills the cancer cells while preserving the healthy tissue, avoiding the nerves and urinary sphincter.
The trials are underway at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, and the University of Michigan to test the efficacy of the therapy.
