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11 August 2017 08:25
Tiny gold particles could help treat cancer, researchers say
The precious metal, gold, is a familiar sight in jewellery adorning the body but it could also play a role in treating cancers that grow inside the body.
That's according to new research from a team at Edinburgh University, who say tiny flecks of gold could boost the effectiveness of drugs used to treat lung cancer cells.
Targeting tumours
During laboratory tests, scientists found minute fragments of gold, known as nanoparticles, enabled them to target tumours with greater precision.
These properties of gold were previously unknown, they say.
The findings have yet to be tested on humans, and researchers say "there is still work to do" before that can happen.
But experts hope it could eventually target chemotherapy directly into the tumour without surrounding healthy organs suffering any side effects from the drugs.
People who have gone through chemo can arrange specialist medical travel insurance.
What the experts say
Dr Asier Unciti-Broceta, from the University of Edinburgh's CRUK Edinburgh Centre, said: "We have discovered new properties of gold that were previously unknown and our findings suggest that the metal could be used to release drugs inside tumours very safely.
"There is still work to do before we can use this on patients, but this study is a step forward. We hope that a similar device in humans could one day be implanted by surgeons to activate chemotherapy directly in tumours and reduce harmful effects to healthy organs."
The study was funded by Cancer Research UK, and the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council.
19 August 2017
Fresh orange juice and leafy green superfoods like broccoli and kale could have a part to play in fighting cancer, according to a new study.
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18 August 2017
Relatives of older people receiving NHS care have raised concerns over some of the treatment.
17 August 2017
Older people are being "let down" when it comes to access to dental care, experts have warned.
16 August 2017
A charity has called for women who have been treated for breast cancer to be given better support once treatment ends.
15 August 2017
More people are being arrested over drunken behaviour on board flights and at airports, according to latest statistics.
12 August 2017
Labour has criticised the way in which cancer patients and their families have been treated under the Conservative Government.
11 August 2017
10 August 2017
Nashville is the capital of country and has for years attracted music-loving holidaymakers to its vibrant bars and venues.
09 August 2017
We've all seen self-driving cars in the news in recent years but would you step on board a passenger plane that didn't have a pilot?
08 August 2017
Marine experts have disagreed over the identity of the creatures that attacked the feet of a teenager who was relaxing in the sea in Australia.
05 August 2017
Medical bills which run into six-figure territory are "not uncommon" for British holidaymakers who end up needing emergency medical treatment abroad, travel insurers say.
04 August 2017
British Airways mixed fleet cabin crew will strike for a further two weeks this month, including the August bank holiday, in a long-running pay dispute.