Director's Update: September 30, 2003
One of the most promising and exciting areas of cancer research is the emerging field of nanoscience. Nanoscience involves creating useful materials and devices by manipulating molecules on a nanoscale. To envision the nanoscale level, think of something 1/80,000 the width of a human hair or thousands of times smaller than a single cell. We see the potential for nanoscience to dramatically enhance our ability to effectively detect cancer, deliver targeted therapeutics, and monitor the effectiveness of cancer interventions.
Nanoscience allows us to fashion devices smaller than the size of human cells; thus, these devices offer the benefit of being able to enter cells and organelles and interact with DNA, RNA, and proteins. As a result, nanosensors have the capability of detecting proteins that may serve as markers for cancer early in the disease process - a step that is crucial to developing more effective treatment strategies. Nanosensors can also be "programmed" to enter cancer cells, enabling scientists to detect changes in the complex network of cellular components and functions. Eventually, nanoscience could enable the development of platforms to conduct multiple diagnostic tests and could be ultimately employed to specifically target cancer cells.
New technologies emerging from NCI-funded studies are showing great promise in this area. Through our Innovative Molecular Analysis Technologies (IMAT) program, several researchers are developing molecular sensing devices to determine changes in specific molecules, identify patterns that can serve as molecular signatures, and detect irregularities in DNA. These devices can also be used to measure interactions among proteins, classify tumors at the molecular level, conduct high throughput screening, and predict the efficacy of specific treatment approaches.
Through our Unconventional Innovations and Fundamental Technologies for Biomolecular Sensors programs, researchers are developing molecular biosensors for administration to patients. These biosensors - 10,000 times smaller than the head of a pin - are designed to target and destroy cancer cells. Biosensors will also allow physicians to image and specifically treat cancer, resulting in minimal side effects and damage to healthy tissue. This new technology that can detect molecular changes in cancer cells will be a critical new ally in our efforts to eliminate the suffering and death due to cancer by 2015.
Realizing the considerable promise that nanoscience holds for accelerating progress against cancer, the NCI is working to develop a formal Nanotechnology Plan. This strategic plan will serve to guide NCI's future efforts in this area. Dr. Mauro Ferrari, a leading scientist in nanotechnology, is providing guidance on the overall approach, especially the integration of nanotechnologies into current cancer research programs. Dr. Ferrari is working with NCI leadership to facilitate the integration of nanotechnologies into a range of cancer diagnostic and therapeutic initiatives and is developing nanotechnology resources that can be accessed and utilized across the cancer research community. Dr. Ferrari's personal research is focused on questions such as quantifying Her-2/neu in breast tissue.
Nanoscience is but one example of how we must take advantage of the explosion in advanced technologies to accelerate progress in cancer research. It is the continued application of advanced technologies to cancer research that makes real the seemingly impossible dream of eliminating the suffering and death due to cancer.
Andrew C. von Eschenbach, M.D.
Director, National Cancer Institute
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