Nanoparticle May Give Radiation Protection

SPACE MEDICINE

The nanoparticle "Fullerene" (pictured) is shaped like a soccer ball.

by Staff Writers
UPI Correspondent
Philadelphia PA (UPI) Nov 09, 2006
U.S. scientists say they've determined a microscopic nanoparticle shows promise in helping reduce the side effects of radiation. Researchers at the Kimmel Cancer Center at Thomas Jefferson University in Philadelphia say the nanoparticle, DF-1, might be part of a "new class of radioprotective agents" that help protect normal tissue from radiation damage just as well as standard drugs.

The scientists have shown DF-1 -- a soccer ball-shaped, hollow, carbon-based structure known as a fullerene -- is as good as two other antioxidant drugs and the FDA-approved drug Amifostine in offering protection from radiation.

Led by Dr. Adam Dicker, professor of radiation oncology at Jefferson Medical College, and Dr. Ulrich Rodeck, professor of dermatology, the scientists compared DF-1 to two superoxidase dismutase mimetics, which are antioxidant drugs. They exposed zebrafish embryos to radiation with either DF-1, a superoxide dismutase, or Amifostine.

The researchers found each of the three markedly reduced radiation damage, increased overall survival and was comparable to the protection provided by the Amifostine.

The scientists reported their study this week in Philadelphia during the annual meeting of the American Society for Therapeutic Radiology and Oncology.

Source: United Press International

SPACE MEDICINE

Three-Way Punch To Lung Cancer

Philadelphia (UPI) Nov 06, 2006
Doctors said Monday that radiation treatment combined with chemotherapy after lung cancer surgery can double the survival time for patients with cancer that hasn't yet spread through the body. "In this study 47 patients with lung cancer survived for at least five years," said Jean-Yves Douillard, professor and head of medical oncology at Centre Rene Gauducheau, Nantes, France.

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