Breakthrough in cancer treatment: Dual approach enhances drug delivery, photothermal therapy

A significant stride in cancer treatment has been achieved through a fusion of targeted drug delivery and photothermal therapy in Iran. 

Associate Professor at Ferdowsi University of Mashhad in northeastern Iran, supported by the National Science Foundation, successfully designed and synthesized a cutting-edge carbon nanosystem utilizing carbon quantum dots and magnetic nanoparticles. 

This nanostructure was further tailored to impact cancer cell lines.

The associate professor added that effective chemotherapy has its drawbacks of non-selective targeting and collateral damage to healthy cells. 

He went on to say that the breakthrough led researchers to explore alternative methods, including nanoparticles as precise drug carriers for enhanced therapeutic outcomes. 

He added that carbon quantum dots, a class of quantum materials, have emerged as promising candidates in cancer drug delivery systems. 

According to the associate professor: “The integration of photothermal properties into these quantum dot-based nanocarriers is a novel approach. Photothermal therapy significantly amplifies cancer cell sensitivity to radiation and chemotherapy drugs.” 

This innovative combination revolutionizes targeted drug delivery, promising both heightened effectiveness and reduced side effects of anticancer drugs. 

This groundbreaking research not only advances cancer treatment but also opens doors to potential applications in imaging. 

The new-found knowledge and techniques acquired through this project pave the way for future advancements in cancer treatment and nanomedicine.