Science and Health

Seoul develops nanoparticles that can kill cancer

(Xinhua)
Updated: 2011-06-27 15:24

SEOUL - South Korean scientists have developed magnetic nanoparticles that can destroy cancer cells under the influence of a magnetic field, local media reported Monday.

The magnetic nanoparticles developed by a Yonsei University research team led by Professor Cheon Jin-woo can convert external magnetic energy into heat with a significant increase in the efficiency of magnetic thermal induction.

The team performed an antitumour study in mice, and found that the therapeutic efficacy of the nanoparticles is superior to that of a common anticancer drug.

Heat therapy is often used in cancer treatment as cancer cells can be killed when exposed to temperatures above 42 degrees Celsius.

The team's study was on the journal Nature Nanotechnology's website on June 26.