Tiny magnets offer breakthrough in prostate cancer treatment

A NEW way of fighting prostate cancer with microscopic magnets shows promise as a treatment for advanced disease, experts said today.

In laboratory tests, magnetic nanoparticles were used to steer therapeutic white blood cells into the hearts of tumours.

The macrophage blood cells were “armed” with a virus which began to replicate after reaching the cancer target. Once infected, the cancer cells were destroyed. At the same time, the virus spread to attack neighbouring prostate cancer cells.