New research throws light on cancer cells

ST LOUIS, MO — Research led by University of Missouri School of Medicine professor of radiology and physics Kattesh Katti has discovered a new minimally-invasive procedure that targets and destroys precancerous tumor cells in the livers of mice and invitro human cells.

"The limitations when treating most forms of cancer involve collateral damage to healthy cells near tumor sites," Katti, the lead author in the international study, said in a statement.

"The components for this new therapy are inexpensive, do not have any issues associated with a shelf-life and are easy to produce," the Indian American researcher said.

"Most importantly, it does not involve the use of harsh chemotherapy drugs or radiation. It is a ‘green’ approach that also may lead to successful treatment of other forms of cancer."

The American Cancer Society has reported that more than 700,000 new cases of liver cancer are diagnosed annually throughout the globe.

Presently, the only cure for the disease is to surgically remove the cancerous part of the liver or transplant the entire organ, according to the university news release.

The study, conducted in the US and Egypt, involved the use of gold nanoparticles encapsulated by a protective stabilizer called gum Arabic, a natural gum made of the hardened sap from acacia trees.