Chinesisch-amerikanisches Team entwickelt pflanzliche Nanopartikel zur Bekämpfung des tödlichsten Hirnkrebses | Diese Nanopartikel sind darauf ausgelegt, die Blut-Hirn-Schranke zu durchdringen und Tumorzellen direkt anzugreifen.

From the article: Scientists in China and the United States have collaborated to develop a new plant-based nanoparticle treatment for glioblastoma, the deadliest brain cancer.

These nanoparticles, crafted from a phytochemical called bardoxolone methyl (BM), are designed to penetrate the blood-brain barrier and target tumor cells directly.

Scientists at Wuhan’s Renmin Hospital and Yale University injected the nanoparticles into mice and observed that the particles successfully identified and attacked tumor cells.

The authors noted in the [study](https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/smsc.202470027) that they have “developed and validated a novel nanotechnology-based approach for glioblastoma treatment.”

Glioblastoma is a rapidly growing and highly invasive brain tumor, which impacts around 250,000 people globally on an annual basis.

Unfortunately, it often leaves patients with a grim prognosis. Following diagnosis, the average survival time for glioblastoma patients is only 14 to 16 months.

The current treatment for glioblastoma consists of surgical removal of the tumor. After this, they have to undergo radiation and chemotherapy. Despite treatment, the cancer can develop resistance, often resulting in minimal impact on the disease.

One big challenge is the blood-brain barrier, a protective membrane that surrounds the brain. Due to the presence of this barrier, many drugs are unable to cross, limiting their effectiveness in treating conditions like glioblastoma.