Researchers from the University of Sheffield in the U.K. have found that MRI scanners can steer cell-based, tumor-busting therapies to specific target sites in the body.
The study, published online on 18 August in Nature Communications, shows that cancer mouse models injected with immune cells carrying tiny super-paramagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles and armed with the cancer-killing oncolytic virus (OV) achieved an 800% increase in the effects of the therapy.
The researchers, led by Dr. Munitta Muthana, said the targeted approach is extremely beneficial for patients because it dramatically increases the efficiency of treatment and drug doses, and potentially could help alleviate side effects.
The findings also suggest MRI may help administer treatments directly to both primary and secondary tumors wherever they are located in the body.
