You've probably heard that Senator Edward M. Kennedy has a cancerous brain tumor called glioblastoma. This is really unfortunate news because cancerous brain tumors are very difficult to treat. There are no cures or really effective remedies. However, nanotechnology research may improve clinical care as researchers discover new ways to apply technology in healthcare.

Nanoparticles called "nanoworms" may change the way doctors treat tumors. Scientists at the University of California, San Diego are collaborating with other researchers to create nanoworms that resemble earthworms. If these nanoworms can reach microscopic tumor cells, they can deliver drugs to destroy the cancer before it spreads. Can you imagine trying to explain this to a patient? The mention of nanoworms might stir up all sorts of images and preconceived notions of nanobots, robots, and other sci-fi ideas.

Posted by: Joseph Kim, MD    Source

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