Researchers at the University of Nottingham have made a groundbreaking discovery in the realm of brain cancer treatment. They have developed a new therapeutic approach using quantum physics that shows promising results in treating glioblastoma, one of the most aggressive and difficult-to-treat forms of brain cancer. Glioblastoma affects approximately 13,000 people in the US each year and has a low survival rate.
The researchers have created gold nanoparticles coated with redox-active molecules, referred to as bio-nanoantennae. These particles act as quantum switches, which can trigger programmed cell death in cancer cells when stimulated by an electric field. The bio-nanoantennae specifically target cancer cells while leaving healthy cells unharmed. This is a significant advancement as current treatments, such as surgery, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy, often have limited effectiveness and severe side effects.
In their study, the researchers demonstrated that the bio-nanoantennae transfer electrons to cancer cells, causing damage to their DNA and initiating cell death. This quantum therapeutic approach alters the biology of cells at the quantum level. The nanoparticles can be switched on and off using an electric field, offering control over the treatment process. When the switch is off, the nanoparticles remain inert and harmless.
The team tested this method in vitro and in mouse models, showcasing promising results. The next step for the researchers is to conduct clinical trials in humans. If successful, this treatment could potentially be applied as a spray during surgery, providing hope for patients with glioblastoma and potentially extending their survival rates.
Dr. Frankie Rawson, the lead researcher, explains that the intricate dance of electrons at the quantum level can prompt cancer cells’ natural self-destruction mechanism. This groundbreaking discovery brings real-world quantum therapies closer to reality and offers a new approach to tackling glioblastoma.
The study, funded by UK Research and Innovation, was published in the journal Nature Communications and involved collaboration with researchers from RIKEN in Japan, who provided theoretical support and expertise in quantum physics. Dr. Ruman Rahman, co-author of the study, emphasizes the promising potential of quantum therapeutics to revolutionize cancer treatment and bring us closer to a new treatment paradigm for various diseases.
This groundbreaking research not only holds hope for brain cancer patients but also opens doors for further advancements in utilizing quantum physics in medicine and biotechnology. Quantum therapy could potentially be a game-changer in the field of cancer treatment, offering new possibilities for patients who have limited treatment options.
Sources:
– Scientists kill brain cancer with quantum therapy in a first, Interesting Engineering, September 14, 2023
– New research signals a quantum leap for brain tumor treatment, ScienceDaily, September 14, 2023
– Quantum Signaling: A Revolutionary New Treatment for Brain Tumors, SciTechDaily, September 14, 2023
– Quantum therapy could be a game-changer for brain cancer patients, Medical Xpress, September 15, 2023