Nanotube ‘longboats’ slaughter cancer cells

September 7, 2008 | Source: New Scientist news service

MIT researchers have attached a modified version of potent cancer drug cisplatin and folic acid to carbon nanotubes, killing cells with folic acid receptors more effectively than cells without them.

These receptors are most numerous on cancer cells, so the hope is that the drug may target tumors in the body and spare healthy cells.