Title: Nanotechnology in cancer prevention, detection and treatment: bright future lies ahead

Authors: G. Ali Mansoori, Pirooz Mohazzabi, Percival McCormack, Siavash Jabbari

Addresses: Departments of Bio and Chemical Engineering, University of Illinois at Chicago, 218 SEO, 851 S, Morgan St. (M/C 063), Chicago, IL 60607-7052, USA. ' Department of Physics, University of Wisconsin – Parkside, Kenosha, WI 53141, USA. ' Department of BioEngineering, University of Illinois at Chicago, 218 SEO, 851 S. Morgan St. (M/C 063), Chicago, IL 60607-7052, USA. ' Department of Radiation Oncology, University of California – San Francisco 1600 Divisadero Sreet, Suite H1031, San Francisco, CA 94143-1708, USA

Abstract: This paper is an overview of advances and prospects in applications of nanotechnology for cancer prevention, detection and treatment. We begin with a brief description of the underlying causes of cancer. Then we address preventive treatment, disease-time treatment, and diagnosis in the context of some of the most recent advances in nanotechnology. Nanoparticle science is also briefly addressed as the foundation upon which most nanotechnology cancer therapy is based. It is demonstrated how nanotechnology can help solve one of the most challenging and longstanding problems in medicine, which is how to eliminate cancer without harming normal body tissue.

Keywords: cancer prevention; cancer detection; cancer treatment; diamondoid; folate receptors; hyperthermia method; nanoparticles; melanoma; nanocrystals; nanobiotechnology; nanotechnology; quantum dot; cancer therapy.

DOI: 10.1504/WRSTSD.2007.013584

World Review of Science, Technology and Sustainable Development, 2007 Vol.4 No.2/3, pp.226 - 257

Published online: 08 May 2007 *

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