Nanotechnology and Prostate Cancer

According to the American Cancer Society, more than 50,000 Americans die of prostate cancer each year, despite all recent advances in prostate cancer research. The rate of prostate cancer has increased recently. African Americans are the most affected ethnic group while Asian American the least.

Nanotechnology refers to any science and technology knowledge that includes the study of substances, components, and materials that are smaller than 100 nanometers. A nanometer is one billionth of a meter. A single virus measures approximately 100 nanometers.

Researchers and scientists from different groups are currently working on the use of nanotechnology for the development of new ways to diagnose, detect and treat prostate cancer.

New Nanopolymer May Offer New Treatment For Prostate Cancer

A recent research study, published in the journal The Prostate, Dr. J.A: Sawicki and colleagues have worked on a new polymer made with nanotechnological techniques that may be able to deliver tiny particles toxic to cancer cells. This new polymer may be assembles specifically to carry what is called a "suicide gene." A suicide gene is able to produce a toxin specific targeted to malignant prostate cancer cells. In their study, authors found that the nanopolymer-gene complex leads to a decrease in the size of the prostate tumors. Either the gene or the polymer alone has no effect on prostate cancer.

Nanotechnology and Prostate Cancer Detection

In a recent study, Dr. Phelan and colleagues (2008) utilized quantum dots (QD) made from a semiconductor material to increase significantly the detection of six specific biomolecules associated with prostate cancer. Quantum dots (QD) are defined as dots, 5-20 nm in diameter, with new enhanced optical properties that allow better resolution in detecting specific proteins or biological materials at very low concentrations. This finding will be used to develop more potent and early cancer detection techniques. The ultimate goal of Dr. Phelan´s research group is to engineer a multi-biomarker test that will have high sensitivity and specificity to be applied as a prostate cancer screening test.
Nanotechnology and Prostate Cancer

The science of studying materials at the nano level will definitely have a great impact on how prostate cancer (and many other cancer types) are diagnosed and treated. It is a hope that new advanced in this science will impact positively the quality of live of cancer patients.

Sources:
American Cancer Society Web Site.

Nanoparticulate delivery of suicide DNA to murine prostate and prostate tumors

Nanotechnology May Aid PCa Diagnosis