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Tuesday, 31st May 2005 (4210 views)

Trials of a revolutionary possible new method of treating cancer called 'Golden Triangle' are to go ahead in India.<br/><br/>The Golden Triangle method uses nano-sized triangular gold particles, formed by adding lemongrass extract to gold ions in solution.<br/><br/>The gold nano-particles are introduced into the body with antibodies or biomarkers to guide the particles into cancerous cells, and the patient is exposed to infra-red radiation, which heats the gold particles to about six degrees above normal body temperature, cauterising the cancer cells.<br/><br/>According to Murali Sastry, head of the Nanoscience Group at the Indian National Chemical Laboratory (NCL), laboratory tests of the Golden Triangle method will begin in a month's time at the Advanced Centre for Treatment, Research and Education in Cancer (ACTREC) in Navi Mumbai.<br/><br/>"We have tied up with them for the trials. Initially, the Golden Triangle technology will be used on cancer cells in petri dishes, and then on animals," Mr Sastry told Pune Newsline.<br/><br/>The scientists hope to establish the toxicity of the gold nano-particles - and thus their danger to humans - through the trials.<br/><br/>"While gold is inherently non-toxic, we have to see exactly where the nano-sized triangles go when introduced into the cancerous area," Mr Sastry explained. <br/><br/>"We have kept a two-year window to see if we can get into clinical trials on humans."<img alt="track" src="http://directnews.dehavilland.co.uk/dn.gif?feedid=196&itemid=8634151"/>

 

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