Researchers Hijack Cancer Migration to Move Brain Tumors

Research published in the journal Nature Materials reported a new technique that researchers are using to move tumors from inoperable locations to more accessible ones. In order to lure tumors to new locations, the researchers created nanofibers made from polycaprolactone (PCL) polymer surrounded by a polyurethane carrier — whose surface simulates the contours of nerves and blood vessels — a path the cancer cells would normally follow. The fibers served as tumor guides, leading migrating cells to a “tumor collector” gel located outside the brain, containing the drug cyclopamine, which is toxic to cancer cells. After 18 days, researchers found that when comparing tumor sizes in rats, the animals that had received the PCL nanofiber implants near their tumors were substantially reduced. Furthermore, the tumor cells had moved the entire length of the fibers into the collector gel outside the brain. However, before the technique can be used in humans, it will need to undergo extensive testing and gain FDA approval. To read more about this study, click here.