A recent scientific study concluded that a magnetic seed can treat tumors in certain parts of the body, especially those that are difficult to access. The study, detailed by Sky News on Wednesday, states that the magnetic seed is based on minimally invasive surgical removal of cancerous tumors through image guidance.
According to this treatment, the seed, which has a diameter of 2 mm, is guided into the brain to raise the temperature of the tumors and subsequently destroy them. This seed was tested on mice, and the results were documented in a study published in the journal Advanced Science.
The researchers used an MRI scanner to remotely direct the promising seeds to the tumor, heating them from a distance to kill cancer cells with this heat. The magnetic seeds are expected to provide a more effective treatment for tumor patients, reducing recovery time and minimizing side effects. This new technique can be used against glioblastoma, the most common type of brain cancer, as well as prostate cancer and others.
The study's lead author, Mark Leithgow, stated, "By controlling the seed remotely through an MRI scanner, we can destroy only the cancerous cells, which means we will be able to preserve healthy tissue." He added, "From a neurosurgery perspective, this means we will be able to maintain motor and cognitive functions, which not only contributes to quality of life and recovery time but can also contribute to patient survival over a longer duration."
Moreover, the chief cancer doctor in the study, Mark Emberton, noted that improving cancer treatment remains one of the most challenging goals yet to be achieved. One in every eight men suffers from prostate cancer. Emberton remarked, "While radiation therapy and surgery can be effective, they often lead to unwanted side effects; in the case of prostate cancer, patients suffer from incontinence and sexual dysfunction." He pointed out that the new treatment allows oncologists to precisely destroy prostate tumors, reducing damage to healthy cells.
