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Briefing
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- Fluorescent Nanoparticles – Researchers from Rutgers University developed fluorescent nanoparticles, called Rare-Earth Albumin Nanocomposites (ReANCs), that light up to track breast cancer metastasis, stage where cancer cells migrate to other parts of body
- How It Works – ReANCs attach to certain molecules, used to target different organs, while emitting infrared light visible to special detectors and cameras
- Better than MRI or CT Scans – Mice tests show nanoparticles as more effective than Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) and Computed Tomography (CT) scans in identifying newly metastasized tumors in bones
- Compared to PET Scans – Nanoparticles still deficient compared to Positron Emission Tomography (PET) scans, though it has less radiation and is less expensive
- Other Applications – Can potentially be used to differentiate cancer tissue from healthy tissue for surgeons removing tumors
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