TEHRAN (INIC)- The Iranian researchers at the International Research Institute of Arian Chemie Gostar, Tabriz, in a joint work with their Azeri collaborators from Baku State University, Baku, developed a smart method to fight against advanced cancers.

Smart nano-scaled drug delivery systems are able to identify and target cancer cells to deliver anti-cancer drugs into them without causing the problems related to toxicity issues concerning the ordinary anti-cancer medicines.

"The outcome of this research work is a nano-scaled drug system which can carry and transfer anti-cancer drugs towards disordered cells while it is possible to monitor them via MIR at any time," Mohammad Reza Saboktakin, the researcher in chief, explained to the news service of the INIC.

The main constituent of this drug delivery system is based on polyamidoamine polymers (dendrimer) which are acetylated through a chemical reaction and act as shells for paramagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles. Such magnetic carriers not only can transfer anti-cancer agents, but also are able to identify and cling to cancer cells.

On the other hand, the magnetic nature of the applied compounds makes it possible to track the capsules via MRI spectroscopy. This helps the therapists give appropriate diagnoses and get valuable information on tumor progression level and treatment process.

According to Saboktakin, the research findings can be used in synthesis of anti-cancer drugs and treatment of advanced cancers. "In Vivo" tests on the proposed drug were conducted and the relevant results are to be published in an esteemed scientific journal in the near future.

For a detailed report on this research work please see the Journal of Polymer-Plastics Technology and Engineering, volume 49, pages 104-109, 2010.