GE is actively developing nanoparticle-based imaging agents to help physicians visualize cancerous tumors; GE is collaborating with the National Cancer Institute in this effort (https://www.azonano.com/news.aspx?newsID=7761). Malignant brain tumor cells are known to express abnormally high levels of certain cellular surface receptors, in particular the epidermal growth factor (EGF) receptor and the platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) receptor. Propose a nanoparticle-based imaging agent that might be used to image brain cancer.
Nanoparticles (NPs) based agents are playing a very important role in visualization and treatment of brain cancer. Many such particles have been used to observe brain cancer cells, such as gold NPs, gadolinium NPs, inorganic particles such as magnetic iron oxide (Fe3O4), organic agents such as dendrimers. The most important property of nanoparticles is that, they can cross the Blood Brain Barrier, which greatly increases their efficiency. Also, they have larger half life and reduced immunogenicity. Mechanism by which they are carried to the target include absorptive and receptor mediated transcytosis, and clathrin and caveolin mediated endocytosis.
Neuroimaging agents: GE is actively developing nanoparticle-based imaging agents to help physicians visualize cancerous tumors; GE...