"Nano gel" to prevent the return of malignant tumors after surgical removal

Scientists at the University of California at Los Angeles have created a gel that prevents the recurrence of malignant tumors after surgery and contains compounds that enhance the body's immunity.

According to the journal Nature Nanotechnology, which published the results of the study, the test of this gel on laboratory mice was a success.

It was found that the gel slowed the growth of cancer cells that remained after surgery in mice infected with skin cancer and lived in rodents for two months without growth of these cells.

Scientists point out that the nanoparticle gel contains antibodies that inhibit the "CD47" protein produced by cancer cells to fool immune cells. The minutes of calcium carbonate in the gel mask the protein, thus allowing the immune cells to detect and destroy the cancer cells.

Scientists explain why they chose calcium carbonate in particular because it dissolves gradually in wounds resulting from surgery and active large phagocytic cells that help the body get rid of foreign elements.