New Magnetic Nanoparticles Offer Promising Alternative for Cancer Treatment

In a major scientific breakthrough, researchers from the Institute of Advanced Study in Science and Technology (IASST), Guwahati, in collaboration with NIT Nagaland, have developed a new magnetic system using nanocrystalline cobalt chromite magnetic nanoparticles that could revolutionize cancer treatment through magnetic hyperthermia.

Led by Prof. Devasish Chowdhury, the research team has synthesized magnetic nanoparticles doped with gadolinium (Gd) using a conventional chemical co-precipitation method. These specially engineered nanoparticles can raise the temperature of cancerous tissues when subjected to an external alternating magnetic field — a process known as magnetic hyperthermia — effectively damaging or destroying the tumor cells without harming surrounding healthy tissues.

Magnetic hyperthermia is gaining attention as a minimally invasive and targeted therapy with fewer side effects compared to traditional treatments like chemotherapy and radiation, which often lead to nausea, fatigue, hair loss, and a compromised immune system.

These newly developed nanoparticles act as nano-heaters capable of elevating tumor temperatures up to 46°C, causing cell necrosis in cancer-affected regions. Their effectiveness stems from their carefully tuned physical properties, optimized to ensure efficient and controlled heat generation.

The innovation lies not just in the material but in its potential applications. Unlike other cancer therapies, this method is external, precise, and holds promise for broader accessibility due to potentially lower costs and minimal side effects.

This pathbreaking study, which includes contributions from Dr. Mritunjoy Prasad Ghosh, National Post-Doctoral Fellow (N-PDF), and Mr. Rahul Sonkar, a research scholar from IASST, has been published in Nanoscale Advances, a peer-reviewed journal of the Royal Society of Chemistry, UK.

With this research, India has taken a significant step toward offering new hope to millions battling cancer, showcasing how nanotechnology can transform healthcare and deliver affordable, targeted, and efficient treatments.