Cancer Treatment Breakthrough: Gold Nanoparticles Induce Self-Destruction in Glioblastoma Cells

Researchers at the University of Nottingham discovered a cancer treatment breakthrough using small, electrically charged gold particles to induce the self-destruction of the cells of one of the deadliest cancers.

The Nottingham research group, under the direction of Dr. Frankie Rawson, used a cutting-edge "bio-antenna" idea to induce apoptosis, or programmed cell death, particularly in glioblastoma cells. These bio-antennas are made of unique molecules coated with gold nanoparticles. An electromagnetic field causes these bio-antennae to tell cancer cells to self-destruct.

Treating glioblastoma is difficult, with a 6.8% five-year survival rate and an estimated eight-month survival rate. The late John McCain, a former US senator, had a condition that affects more men than women.