Using nanodiamonds to deliver brain tumor chemotherapy drugs

Researchers at the University of California-Jonson Comprehensive Cancer Center have developed an innovative drug delivery system that uses tiny nano-diamond particles to deliver chemotherapy drugs to brain tumors. This new treatment method can effectively kill cancer cells, and compared with existing treatment methods, the chance of side effects is extremely low

Doxorubicin is a common chemotherapeutic agent. When injected directly into the tumor, it acts as a drug to treat the tumor. Dean Ho of the University of California School of Dentistry allowed doxorubicin molecules to attach to the surface of nanodiamonds, creating a compound called ND-DOX.

The study found that the ND-DOX water of the tumor has been more stable than the injection of doxorubicin alone, showing that the doxorubicin attached to the nanodiamond enters the tumor and stays longer. It was also found that ND-DOX can increase the death of cancer cells and reduce the viability of glioma cells.

The first study showed that ND-DOX transports a limited amount of doxorubicin, which is scattered outside the tumor. This mode of transportation reduces toxic side effects and ensures that the drug stays at the tumor for a longer time, increasing the effectiveness of the drug to kill the tumor without affecting the surrounding tissues.