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November 2023
By: Erica Low Sin Mun
Glioblastoma is a type of cancer that forms in the brain or spinal cord. How fortunate we are as a significant advancement in treatment has been witnessed in recent years. Let’s delve into some groundbreaking approaches that offer hope in the battle against this deadly cancer.
Nanoparticle-Based Treatment
According to YaleNews, a cutting-edge nanoparticle-based treatment was developed to fight glioblastoma. It is known as a marriage of two technologies, which refers to a combination of bioadhesive nanoparticles and peptide nucleic acid technology. In simpler terms, these nanoparticles release synthesized peptide nucleic acids to be attached to OncomiRs, which are microRNAs that are associated with cancer. With that, tumor-promoting activity can be stopped. However, one of the challenges faced by the researchers is in designing anti-cancer agents (antimiRs) to fit within a single nanoparticle, effectively and precisely targeting two specific microRNAs (miR-10b & miR-21). This non-toxic treatment allows for the targeting of multiple OncomiRs. Additionally, the particles and agents released at the tumor site can be easily washed away after 40 days. This treatment is seen as a potential addition to the following procedure:
Surgery → Infuse the treatment → Chemotherapy
Microdevices
According to The Harvard Gazette, microdevices are also believed to be able to turn brain tumors into tiny labs. The researchers and professors came up with the idea of directly interrogating the living tumor and giving valuable pieces of information to be analyzed. During surgery, these devices are implanted for 2-3 hours to administer tiny doses of 20 drugs into specific tumor areas. This novel microdevice is removed before completing the surgery. With this newly developed microdevice, researchers and surgeons can now capture features of patients’ tumors and collect valuable biological data for analysis. For instance, the changes in response are dependent on the drug concentration and the molecular changes each drug induces in the cells. Studies and experiments have revealed no adverse effects, emphasizing its safe usage in medical treatment.
Oscillating Magnetic Field (OMF) Therapy
Can you imagine a treatment without any radiation therapy or chemotherapy? According to Houston Methodist Leading Medicine, an oscillating magnetic field (OMF) - generating helmet was being invented to shrink glioblastoma tumors. A shred of solid evidence can be proven by a patient who died at the age of 53 following an unrelated injury. The patient wore the helmet for quite a period and improvements can be seen from the autopsy, showcasing 31% of his/her tumor disappeared. Not long after, the FDA recognized this newly introduced treatment as it was proven that electromagnetic fields and devised patterns of magnet rotations produce strong and selective anti-cancer effects. Moreover, this therapy is non-invasive and non-toxic. The helmet, equipped with three oncoscillators connected to a microprocessor-based electronic controller operated by a rechargeable battery, targets excessive reactive oxygen stress (ROS). It uses oscillating frequencies to alter the electron flow in the electron transport chain, disrupting the structure of mitochondria and activating a protein, known as Caspase-3. For those who might not know, this protein is associated with programmed cell death, known as apoptosis. In essence, this therapy utilizes frequencies to manipulate the internal workings of the cancer cells, leading to self-destruction.
As we explore these innovative strategies, the vision of achieving a nearly 99% survival rate for brain cancers and tumors emerges on the horizon.
References
Weir, W. (2023). New treatment merges two technologies to fight brain cancer. Retrieved from https://news.yale.edu/2023/02/08/new-treatment-merges-two-technologies-fight-brain-cancer#:~:text=A%20new%20treatment%20developed%20by,(green%20with%20blue%20nuclei)
Gazetteterrymurphy. (2023). Retrieved from https://news.harvard.edu/gazette/story/2023/09/microdevices-implanted-into-tumors-offer-new-way-to-treat-brain-cancer/
(N.d.). Retrieved from https://www.houstonmethodist.org/leading-medicine-blog/articles/2021/sep/magnetic-device-shrinks-glioblastoma-tumor-in-worlds-first-human-test/
(2023). Retrieved from https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/glioblastoma/cdc-20350148#:~:text=It%20can%20form%20in%20the,can%20happen%20at%20any%20age.
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