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Cornell Chronicles: Posted on Tuesday, August 30, 2011 4:05 PM
'Smart' nanoparticles identify, target and kill cancer cells
Another weapon in the arsenal against cancer has been invented at Cornell: nanoparticles that identify, target and kill specific cancer cells while leaving healthy cells alone.
Led by Carl Batt, the Liberty Hyde Bailey Professor of Food Science, the researchers synthesized nanoparticles -- shaped something like a dumbbell -- made of gold sandwiched between two pieces of iron oxide. They then attached antibodies that target a molecule found only in colorectal cancer cells to the particles. |
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NCI: Posted on Monday, August 29, 2011 11:37 AM
Researchers in Japan have developed an experimental blood test that may help identify patients with colorectal cancer who have an aggressive form of the disease and could benefit from additional therapy after surgery.The test screens the blood for tumor cells that have three molecular markers, including a marker for the protein CD133. This marker is found on some cells that have the properties of stem cells, such as the ability to self renew. Without CD133, the test results were not informative, suggesting to the researchers the importance of this cancer stem cell marker. |
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