Researchers from Russia’s leading science universities, including the National Research University of Technology MISiS and the Russian National Research Medical University NI Pirogov, have introduced a novel approach to treating certain cancers. Their findings, published in the journal medicines, spotlight a targeted therapy strategy that uses specially designed nanoparticles to release the therapeutic agent exclusively in tumor cells.
In this approach, the magnetic properties of the nanoparticles play a crucial role. Timir Nizamov, a junior researcher at the Multifunctional Magnetic Nanomaterials Laboratory at NUST MISIS, explained that magnetic fields can be employed to guide and concentrate these particles at the tumor site, potentially boosting treatment precision and minimizing damage to healthy tissue.
The researchers envision a future where such technology acts as a highly precise tool against malignant tumors, operating on a rapid “fire and forget” principle that seeks to optimize delivery while reducing systemic exposure.
Additionally, collaboration across Russian institutions is advancing targeted drug delivery research. Scientists from Far Eastern Federal University and the Pacific State Medical University of the Russian Ministry of Health are exploring a new material for the selective delivery of anticancer drugs based on the skeletal structure of a sea urchin. This line of work adds to a growing portfolio of nanomaterial strategies aimed at improving the accuracy and effectiveness of oncologic therapies.
A separate line of discussion in the broader scientific landscape includes a controversial remark from Britain about unconventional methods for environmental management, illustrating the diversity of ideas that populate public debates on science and health care, even as researchers pursue rigorous, peer-reviewed work.