A New Generation of Markers for Cancer Detection and Drug Transport

    January 2024 in “ Wiadomości Lekarskie ”
    Jarosław Kaszewski, Julita Rosowska, B.S. Witkowski, M. Godlewski, J Olszewski, Paula Kiełbik, Michał M. Godlewski, Andrew Bartkowski
    TLDR New markers can detect tumors, aid drug delivery, and treat cancer effectively and safely.
    Researchers have developed a new generation of fluorescent markers using wide band gap metal oxides activated with rare earth ions for early tumor detection and therapy. These markers, which can penetrate tumors after oral intake, showed 100% selectability for lung tumors and can be used in photodynamic cancer therapy by stimulating porphyrin compounds to destroy tumor cells. Additionally, they serve as safer MRI contrasts and enable targeted drug transport, even crossing the blood-brain barrier, which is promising for treating neurodegenerative diseases. The markers are eco-friendly, biodegradable, and optimized for oral application, with proven biocompatibility and efficiency in animal tests. Two therapeutic methods were developed: using markers as drug transport agents and for photodynamic therapy.
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