Microcomputed tomography analysis of ferrofluids used as drug carriers for cancer treatment

Two new approaches, Magnetic Drug Targeting (MDT) and Magnetic Hyperthermia, are being investigated in order to reduce side effects generated by common ways of cancer treatment. MDT and MHT are based on the use of magnetic nanoparticles: for MDT the nanoparticles are used as drug carriers and for MHT the nanoparticles are used to induce local heat transfer within the tumour. The success of these therapeutic approaches depends among other things on the correct distribution of the magnetic nanoparticles within the tumour tissue. Computed tomography analysis has been performed on tumour tissue after MDT in order to examine this distribution. The measurements have been performed in two different laboratories, one based on a synchrotron radiation, and another one on a cone X–ray source. First results show that the drug carriers are contained in the vessel system of the tumour as well as concentrated in the surrounding area of the veins. (© 2008 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)