Magneto hyperthermia

Inductive nano heating as a promising tool in inhibiting cell proliferation

Cancer remains one of the leading causes of death around the world. Therefore huge effort and research is being undertaken to find a more effective treatment. Classical treatment with radiation and chemotherapy still includes exposure of healthy tissue to the treatment, with severe consequences for the whole body. The final step, surgery, remains the only way to target the tumour itself. However it does not combat possible metastases and therefore regular check-ups are required to verify whether or not the surgery margins are clear of cancer cells. A solution to these shortcomings would be to use a method that targets only the cancer cells and leaves the healthy cells unaffected.

Better understanding biologal effects of hyperthermia

The level to which magneto hyperthermia can distinguish between healthy and affected cells is yet to be determined. This project will contribute to a better understanding of the biological effects of hyperthermia at nanoscale. This will increase insight in to how more effective treatments can be developed in combination with existing chemotherapeutics. Research involves bringing magnetic nanoparticles and cells together and assessing the consequences, thereby hopefully improving  the process by ensuring that the particles stick to cancer cells rather than to healthy cells.

Duration: this project runs from October 2014 – October 2016.

More information on the Magneto Hyperthermia project can be found on the TechForFuture website