Development has been made by Professor Martel (first to guide a magnetic sphere through a living artery) and Professor Jean-Christophe Leroux who both directed Pierre Pouponneau to produce therapeutic magnetic microcarriers (TMMCs). They are made from biodegradable polymer and measuring 50 micrometers in diameter which are made to deliver drugs. They contain the drug and magnetic nanoparticles which mean it can be guided using a special MRI system.
They used the TMMCs to deliver anti-cancer drugs to a targeted part of a rabbit's liver having been guided through the hepatic artery.
Summary from:
http://www.sourcews.com/view?v=world-first-professor-sylvain-martel photo from:
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/03/110316084417.htm
This development means that anti-cancer drugs can be directly delivered to a specific area and therefore, doesn't have adverse side effects on other areas.
