New method of giving chemo could cut side effects
Australian researchers have discovered that encapsulating 5-FU in a fatty membrane helps target the drug to tumours
Australian researchers have discovered a way to transform the delivery of chemotherapy, potentially curtailing toxic side effects for cancer patients.
The key to the world-first find is the use of nanomedicines — drugs hidden within nanoscopic fatty membranes or liposomes — which have the ability to more accurately target tumours rather than surrounding tissue.
The University of South Australia researchers say the delivery of frequently used 5-FU or fluorouracil is 100% more effective when administered using an optimised liposomal formulation.
The drug 5-FU is among the most widely used chemotherapies and is used to treat breast and colon cancers via intravenous injection.
