Spray gel could reduce cancer spread after surgery
A sprayable anticancer gel that rouses the immune system could help stop tumor recurrence and spread after surgery.
Researchers at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) are leading the team that is developing the gel, which comes in the form of a sprayable solution.
Their aim is that one day, surgeons will be able to spray the solution onto sites of tumor removal directly after surgery.
The solution, which quickly forms a biodegradable gel, contains nanoparticles laden with drugs that "wake up" the immune system.
Tests of the substance on mice that had undergone surgery to remove advanced melanoma tumors yielded promising results.
Half the mice remained tumor-free for at least 60 days following treatment.
The scientists say that not only did the treatment help prevent cancer recurrence at the site of surgery, but it also helped stop tumors forming in other parts of the body.
A study report on their work now features in the journal Nature Nanotechnology.
