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2015/7/9

Developed nanomachines for cancer treatment such as the University of Tokyo and Tokyo Institute of Technology

University Journal Online Editorial Department

　A research group led by Professor Kazunori Kataoka of the University of Tokyo and Professor Nobuhiro Nishiyama of the Tokyo Institute of Technology has developed nanomachines that can be used for cancer treatment.This may allow cancer treatment without the need for a scalpel in the body.

　You might think of a nanomachine as a small robot, but in reality it uses the properties of chemical substances.The inside of the tumor is slightly more acidic than healthy tissue.Due to this difference, the nanomachine developed this time is made by solidifying the drug with a substance called calcium phosphate that dissolves only around the tumor.Combining this with neutron capture therapy makes it possible to treat cancer.A drug containing a substance called gadolinium is used for neutron capture therapy.When gadolinium is exposed to radiation called thermal neutrons, it emits powerful radiation.While thermal neutrons have little effect on living organisms, radiation from gadolinium damages cells.By administering gadolinium only to cancer lesions using a new nanomachine and exposing it to thermal neutrons, it is possible to destroy only cancer cells without destroying normal cells.

　When the mice were treated in the experiment, the growth of cancer cells could be suppressed without any noticeable side effects.Gadolinium is also used as a contrast agent to make organs visible on MRI scans.The use of this nanomachine will make it easier to inspect tumors.

　Speaking of cancer treatment so far, removing the lesion by surgery has been the first option, but not only is it a heavy burden on the body, but there is also the possibility that the cancer cells will not be removed and will recur.This method can be treated with less burden.Furthermore, because the test is easy, it is expected that the risk of missing cancer cells will be significantly reduced.Future cancer treatments may be hospital-free day-trip treatments.

Source:[Tokyo Institute of Technology] Developed a nanomachine that realizes "uncut surgery" -Toward the realization of one-day cancer treatment-

Tokyo University

Established in the 10th year of the Meiji era.A university with the longest history in Japan and at the forefront of Japanese knowledge

The University of Tokyo was established in 1877 (Meiji 10) by integrating the Tokyo Kaisei School and the Tokyo Medical School.Since its establishment, it has developed education and research in a unique way in the world as a leading university in Japan and an academic center for the fusion of East and West cultures.As a result, many human resources have been produced in a wide range of fields, and many research achievements […]

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Tokyo Institute of Technology

The pinnacle of science and engineering university that continues to produce science and engineering people with high aspirations and a Japanese spirit, mastering the knowledge that creates the times, refining their skills

Tokyo Institute of Technology was established as the Tokyo Institute of Technology in 1881 (Meiji 14), when modernization of industry was an urgent need.Since its establishment, it has continued to produce excellent research results with excellent science and engineering human resources, and is still at the top of Japan's science and engineering universities.Tokyo Institute of Technology requires not only a high degree of specialization but also liberal arts […]

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