Tiny robots could reduce cancerous tumours in the bladder by 90 per cent.
Tiny robots could reduce tumour in the bladder
Scientists in Barcelona have created 450 nanobots that can move through the bloodstream and target the growth directly in a potential medical breakthrough.
A study on mice showed that the bots could eliminate the need for multiple tumour treatments by reducing the size of the tumour after just one attempt.
Bladder cancer is one of the most common types of the disease in men and, although it has a low death rate, almost all tumours return within five years.
Scientists are uncertain as to whether the nanobot treatment will stop the growth from returning but additional experiments are already underway as the experts look to determine the long-term effectiveness.
Samuel Sanchez, who led the study at the Institute for Bioengineering of Catalonia (IBEC), said: "With a single dose, we observed a 90 per cent decrease in tumour volume. This is significantly more efficient given that patients typically have six to 14 hospital appointments with current treatments.
"Such a treatment approach would enhance efficiency, reducing the length of hospitalisation and treatment costs."