MagForce Nanotechnologies AG, from Berlin, Germany, has received European regulatory approval for its Nano-Cancer therapy. The treatment is based on energy transmission to biocompatible superparamagnetic nanoparticles in an alternating magnetic field, similar to the principles behind magnetic resonance imaging. The nanoparticles are very small bits of iron oxide suspended in a liquid, which are brought into the tumor with a regular cannula and then penetrate the tumor cells. When the magnetic field is applied they heat up, up to a temperature of 45 degrees Celcius if used for boosting of conventional radiation or chemotherapy, or up to 70 degrees Celcius when used by itself as thermoablation. Because the particles are absorbed by the tumor cells, surrounding healthy tissues are spared. See the video below for further explanation:
The current approval covers the treatment of brain tumors only and studies in prostate cancer, esophageal cancer and pancreatic cancer are underway.
Press release: MagForce Nanotechnologies AG receives European regulatory approval for its Nano Cancer therapy…
Product page: MagForce