Gold Nano-Cups Are the New Heat Weapon Against Cancer, Say Indian Scientists

Indian scientists develop gold nano-cup therapy to kill cancer cells with heat

Indian researchers have developed a new cancer therapy that is based on heat and can kill tumors with or without surgery and chemotherapy. The treatment utilizes specially developed gold nano-cups that trap light and convert it into heat to kill cancer cells.

It has the potential to be safer, less invasive, and more effective, particularly for those who have late-stage breast cancer.

Key Discovery Published in Nature Journal

The Press Information Bureau (PIB) on June 17 confirmed that scientists from INST Mohali, IIT Bombay, and Tata Memorial’s ACTREC have reported their research. This research was sent to Communications Chemistry, a Nature group publication. By applying a single-step process, the researchers synthesized gold nano-cups or semi-shells using Vitamin C and a biocompatible template called ZIF-8.

This technique is nontoxic. Since it does not involve high temperature, is are further steps that increase safety and lessen the technicality of fabrication.

How Treatment Functions

The gold nano-cups are treated with PEG (polyethylene glycol) so they become stable in the body. Then, these nanoparticles are injected into the tumour and subjected to near-infrared (NIR) light. They instantly increase in temperature. The heat destroys the cancer cells without damaging the surrounding normal tissues.

The therapy was tried on animals and was found to have robust effects on reducing breast tumours. It also decreased the risk of cancer recurrence after treatment.

Supported by Previous Studies

This new technique is based on previous research by the same researchers. In a new study, they combined heat therapy through magnetic nanoparticles with minimal chemotherapy. That combination reduced brain tumours in rats and had fewer side effects compared to conventional treatments.

In combination, these studies demonstrate that treatments through heat can be safe and effective when applied appropriately.

Why It Matters

This discovery is going to be a massive game-changer for cancer therapy in India. Gone are the days of cumbersome and dangerous methods; these are now simple and safe. The product needs to be prepared with perhaps a single-step reaction so that it is selected to be cheap for bulk production and maximum employment in many hospitals.

If it proves effective in human trials, the therapy may provide a better means of treating cancer, particularly for those who cannot tolerate chemotherapy or surgery. It may also be used in conjunction with other therapies, such as immunotherapy, in the future.