Cannabinoid-delivering «nano-drones» to fight lung cancer

It sounds like science fiction, but this is exactly what the future of medicine might look like. A team of researchers in Boston suggested the use of «nano-drones»—smart nanoparticles—to improve the treatment of lung cancer.

Nanotechnology aims to create and use systems at the molecular or even atomic scale. Some nanotechnologies exist in nature, such as the molecular bonds in silk that inspired Kevlar and give it its strength. Others are created artificially, such as the coating used on airplanes to reduce drag.

Earlier this year, tests conducted by Durham University (England), and published in the journal Nature, have shown high success rates using «motorized molecules» to attack prostate cancer cells, which are killed within 1 to 3 minutes after being pierced by the nanodrones.

A team of researchers in Boston has published a report proposing that similar nanodrones be used to target lung cancer cells. These nanomachines could carry payloads of cannabinoids and radiosensitizers (substances that reduce cancer cells' resistance to radiation therapy), and deliver them directly to the target cells.

«There are biocompatible radiosensitizers with relatively low toxicity,» the report states. «They can easily interact with photons via the photoelectric effect and emit electrons like micrometer-sized projectiles, thereby substantially enhancing the effects of radiation therapy on cancer cells.».

This would make it possible to treat cancers with lower doses of radiation, while maintaining their effectiveness and reducing radiation-induced collateral damage to tissues and related side effects.

As for cannabinoids, they are reportedly used for their therapeutic effects, without necessarily producing psychoactive effects. The report specifically cites the palliative effects of cannabinoids in cancer patients, particularly in alleviating nausea, vomiting, and pain, and adds that in vitro and in vivo studies have shown that the cannabinoids may inhibit the growth of cancer cells.