Researchers have attempted for many years to find novel ways to treat GBM which included the usual conventional surgery, radiation, chemotherapy as well as targeted therapies. The rapid multiplication of GBM which can result in their cells invading brain tissue in close proximity making it a huge challenge to eliminate via conventional surgery. Many GBM cells also form resistance to chemotherapy which can lead to patients relapsing after undergoing these conventional medical treatments.
Sun and Huang hold the view that a mechanical nano-surgical approach targeting tumour cells may pave the way for a new treatment option with positive results.
Sun, who has been appointed with combined roles with the department of electrical and computer engineering and the department of computer science in the Faculty of Arts and Science and also serves as director of the U of T Robotics Institute, has spent over twenty years producing micro- and nano-robotic systems. These consist of infertility treatment systems that are capable of choosing sperm with high DNA integrity then injecting it into a human egg. Huang, whose lab at SickKids are specialists in developmental and stem-cell biology, explored the physical properties and mechano-electrical-chemical signaling of brain cancer to form new therapeutic strategies.
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Together, a precision control system was formed which utilizes a magnetic field that rotates to move magnetic carbon nanotubes (mCNTs) complete with iron oxide particles and showed that mCNT swarms may be activated within a single cell to play a role as nano-scalpels.
Researchers demonstrated that mechanical stimulations from mobilized mCNTs within GBM cells cause disruption to cancer cells’ internal structures leading to the death of the cell. What was significant was that, the team showed that the nano-surgical treatment shrunk the tumour size and took further the survival of mice with chemotherapy-resistant GBM.
Having evidence from several preclinical models verifying the effectiveness of this technique, the scientists have taken the next step in the optimization of the material compositions of mCNTs, the control strategy as well as the treatment protocol.
While there are still more studies to be carried out prior to the commencement of any human trials, this innovative mechanical nano-surgery technique is providing patients, along with the medical community hope that new treatments maybe available as indicated by researchers.
