Nanoparticles could contribute to the early detection of mesothelioma

(Mesothelioma & Asbestos Awareness Center)- The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved the first-in-human clinical trial of a new technology, which will be a joint effort between Cornell University, in Ithaca, New York, and Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center (MSKCC) in New York City.  The trial will study the effectiveness of Cornell Dots, nanoparticles that light up cancer cells in PET-optical imaging.

Already considered a breakthrough in cancer diagnostics technology, Cornell Dots may help identify aggressive cancers sooner.  Mesothelioma, a rare cancer of the protective lining of the lungs, heart, chest and abdomen caused by prolonged asbestos exposure, is a particularly difficult cancer to detect.  This silent killer takes decades to develop and does not become symptomatic until it reaches later stages. Malignant mesothelioma is often misdiagnosed and, even when diagnosed properly, it is rarely detected early enough to preserve the patient’s life.  The development improved diagnostic tools absolutely is absolutely essential to winning the battle against mesothelioma disease. Read more here…