(261c) Application of Magnetic Nanoparticles In Cancer Treatment: Magnetic Fluid Hyperthermia

In vitro and in vivo experiments in which cells are in contact with magnetic nanoparticles and subjected to high frequency oscillating magnetic fields have shown that the nanoparticles may induce cell death due to conversion of magnetic field energy into thermal energy resulting in a localized rise in temperature. This novel modality for cancer treatment has termed Magnetic Fluids Hyperthermia (MFH). Owing to the biocompatibility of superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles and the capability to visualize their in vivo location through magnetic resonance imaging, these observations have garnered considerable interest for the treatment of cancer, in which the nanoparticles could be directly injected into a tumor or selectively targeted to cancer cells through passive and/or active mechanisms. This talk will discuss criteria for designing nanoparticles for use in cancer treatment, the mechanisms and limitations of magnetic fluid hyperthermia, research on development and characterization of magnetic nanoparticles coated with biocompatible and thermoresponsive polymers, and biological assays being used to quantify the efficacy of the treatment.