University of Alberta researchers have created “nanoparticle cluster bombs” that carry lung cancer drugs directly to their target.The treatment system has proven effective in treating cancerous cells in a laboratory petri dish and the researchers will conduct tests in live laboratory specimens this year. Clinical trials would follow that."Based on what we’ve been able to do so far, we have practical hopes that a new lung delivery platform for lung cancer can be established,” researcher Dr. Raimar Loebenberg, a professor of pharmacy, says in a prepared statement.The lung cancer drug, in powder form, is loaded into an inhaler that’s similar to the device used by people with asthma. Each grain of the powder contains thousands of nanoparticles. When the powder is inhaled and arrives in the lungs, it dissolves and the nanoparticles are released.
