Scientists from Northwestern University in the USA have developed special nanoparticles that can prevent cancer cells from absorbing cholesterol, which is their main energy source. This therapy significantly slows the growth of tumors in dangerous and incurable ovarian cancer. results published in Advanced Science.
It is stated that many women with ovarian cancer develop resistance to treatment over time. This ability of cancer is called chemoresistance. Scientists explained that this resistance is associated with increased absorption of cholesterol, the main energy source of cancer cells.
Scientists have created a synthetic nanoparticle that mimics the cholesterol molecule in the laboratory to prevent cancer cells from feeding. Preliminary tests in mice showed that the absorption of these particles by cancer cells led to a decrease in their activity and a significant reduction in tumor volumes (more than 50%).
According to the researchers, tumor cell dysfunction after ingestion of these nanoparticles occurs as a result of oxidation of lipids (fats) in the cell membrane. The scientists added that the next step in their research will be to test the nanoparticles together with traditional chemotherapy methods and examine their effects on immune cells.
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