Drug-carrying DNA aptamers can deliver a one-two punch to leukemia by precisely targeting the elusive cancer stem cells that seed cancer relapses, researchers at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign report. The aptamers -- short single-strand snippets of DNA that can target molecules like larger antibodies do -- not only deliver cancer-fighting drugs, but also are themselves toxic to the cancer stem cells, the researchers said.
Read more …Drug-delivering aptamers target leukemia stem cells for one-two knockout punch
Researchers developed a manufacturing technique that rapidly generates large quantities of nanoparticles coated with drug-delivering polymers, which hold great potential for treating cancer. The particles can be targeted directly to tumors, where they release their payload while avoiding many of the side effects of traditional chemotherapy.
Read more …MIT engineers develop a way to mass manufacture nanoparticles that deliver cancer drugs directly...