Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin has introduced a new treatment, NanoTherm Therapy, a nanomedicine-based approach for treating recurrent brain tumors at the Clinic for Radiooncology, Campus Virchow.
Charité research team created a scientific base for cancer treatment based on nanotechnology. Charité was closely involved in the clinical trial that endorsed the European approval of this therapy. This therapy is marketed by a company called MagForce Nanotechnologies AG.
In this therapy, iron oxide nanoparticles are introduced into human brain cancer cell in a method similar to a biopsy procedure. A magnetic field applicator called NanoActivator is used to create alternating magnetic field. This applicator can be safely used in humans. The high frequency magnetic field produced by NanoActivator oscillates the nanoparticles and as a result heat is generated directly inside the tumor tissues. Based on the attained temperature and duration of treatment, the cancer cells may be destroyed directly or become more sensitive so that they get easily destroyed during the upcoming radiation or chemotherapy session. This therapy can increase the life span of cancer patients, particularly those suffering from recurrent glioblastoma, a highly malignant form of brain tumor.
Volker Budach, Clinic for Radiotherapy’s Director, stated that the research and development for NanoTherm therapy, which involved several years of effort, led to the advancement of treatment in selected patients and patients with recurrent glioblastomas who are not treatable by other therapies.
Source: http://www.charite.de