First use of Metal Nanoparticles IDs Liver Cancer on X-ray

PROVIDENCE – July 8, 2011 – Using metal nanoparticles for the first time as an imaging agent researchers have developed a new technique to detect heptocellular carcinoma at a much earlier, treatable stage than is currently available, a new study suggests.

A new diagnostic technique can spot tumor-like masses as small as 5 millimeters in the liver. Gold nanoparticles with a polyelectrolyte coating can make smaller tumors more visiblethrough X-ray scatter imaging, enabling earlier diagnosis. (credit: Rose-Petruck Lab/Brown University)

Heptocellular carcinoma is the most common cancer of the liver striking more than half a million people worldwide each year. It is especially prevalent in sub-Saharan Africa and Southeast Asia. Because it is usually diagnosed only when tumors have grown to about 5 centimeters in size, most of those afflicted die within six months.  (Link to published site)