NANO-ONCOLOGY

These magnetic nano-objects composed of a pure iron core, and functionalised to selectively bind the tumor (particularly some radioresistant areas), will be optimized for applications in both imaging and hyperthermia. The accumulation of these objects inside the tumor will enhance its detection precision by Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), which will consequently help for a more accurate irradiation in radiotherapy. For hyperthermia, they will be used as local heat sources: put into an alternative magnetic field, they will induce a temperature increase selectively into the tumor, which will then be more sensitive to any attack. The chemo- or radiotherapy efficiency will be improved without raising the dose, i.e. without increasing the side-effects. These applications of magnetic nanoparticles are already being tested by many research groups, but the results, while very promising, are always limited by the poor magnetic performances of the material in use (generally oxides). The Nano-Oncology project group offers to synthesize pure iron nanoparticles with innovative magnetic properties, to develop a new coating which protects them from oxidation, and to address them to specific tumoral cells. The challenge is to get these nano-objects a strong selectivity towards the tumor and an unprecedented ’’magnetic efficiency’’, preserved during the treatment. In vitro and in vivo tests will be performed in MRI and hyperthermia to quantify their efficacy.