NUS study: Nanoparticles may promote cancer metastasis

Researchers from the National University of Singapore have found that cancer nanomedicine, which are designed to kill cancer cells, may accelerate metastasis. Using breast cancer as a model, they discovered that common nanoparticles made from gold, titanium dioxide, silver and silicon dioxide -- found in processed food, consumer products, and also used in nanomedicines -- widen the gap between blood vessel cells, making it easier for other cells, such as cancer cells, to go in and out of 'leaky' blood vessels.