Italian researchers recently discovered a potential breakthrough in mesothelioma treatment. While shocking to most, this treatment involves one of the most precious metals in the world: gold.
Luckily, it is not as expensive as you might think. The gold that is used is in the form of nanoparticles.
How does the treatment work?
First, gold nanoparticles are injected with chemotherapy. The nanoparticles are then “programmed” to find a specific point on a cancerous cell. Once the nanoparticles reach the cancerous cell, researchers believe that they can essentially “block malignant cell lines from replicating” and work to kill the cancerous cells.
Researchers believe this process will be a lot quicker and more effective than other treatment therapies. According to the report, the nanoparticles can reach the cancerous cells within 60 minutes after injection. Additionally, the process is significantly less toxic than other chemotherapy solutions that require higher dosages of chemotherapy to kill the cancer cells, because there was no way to specifically target cancerous points.
Can it also be used to detect cancer?
While the nanoparticles are only being tested to treat mesothelioma, researchers in Australia are also using gold particles for mesothelioma detection. Because cancer cells are drawn to the metallic properties in gold, scientists are working on ways to detect mesothelioma by dropping DNA and gold particles into a water solution. By using a microscope, researchers believe they have found a way to detect the presence of mesothelioma based on the color changes in the water.
Mesothelioma can leave you with thousands of dollars in medical bills. If you or a loved one are suffering from mesothelioma or another asbestos-related disease, consult with an experienced mesothelioma attorney to discuss your options and retain the compensation you deserve.