NBTXR3 Concept

ESTRO · 2010, Deutsch E. et al.

Authors

Eric Deutsch MD PhD
Radiation Biology & Radiation therapy department, Institut Gustave Roussy, Villejuif, France

Summary

Nanotechnology is the engineering of objects at the nanometer scale with novel properties. Nanotechnology is being applied to medicine leading to novel diagnostic or treatment applications. Nanoscale objects are about one hundred to ten thousand times smaller than human cells. They are similar in size to large biological molecules (“biomolecules”) such as enzymes and receptors. As an example, hemoglobin, the molecule that carries oxygen in red blood cells, is approximately 5 nanometers in diameter. Nanoscale objects smaller than 100 nanometers can move out of blood vessels as they circulate through the body due to morphological features of the endothelium (fenestrae size). Those smaller than 7 nanometers can be cleared from the body by the kidney, as they circulate.

Nanotechnology devices are being developed for several cancer applications. EPR effect (Enhanced Permeability and Retention effect), originated from vascular permeability and lack of tumor lymphatic drainage allows accumulation of nanoparticles in the tumor. Therefore, nanoparticles could become important tools for tumor imaging and for tumor selective drug delivery. Furthermore, nanoparticles smaller than 50 nanometers can easily enter most cells.

By continuing to use the site, you agree to the use of cookies.En poursuivant votre navigation sur ce site, vous acceptez l’utilisation de cookies. More information.En savoir plus.

The cookie settings on this website are set to “allow cookies” to give you the possibility to switch between languages in a way that this will not interfere with page navigation. If you continue to use this website without changing your cookie settings or you click “Accept” below then you are consenting to this.Par défaut, les paramètres de ce site autorisent les cookies pour vous permettre notamment de naviguer entre les différentes langues disponibles. Nous utilisons des cookies pour vous proposer un site internet facile d'utilisation, sécurisé et fonctionnel. Si vous les autorisez également, cliquez sur « Accepter » ou poursuivez simplement votre navigation.

CloseFermer