Gold has been used over the ages to mint coins, fill cavities and decorate desserts. Now, Israeli researchers are studying how the precious metal can be used to help fight cancer, because it can help increase the intensity of radiation absorbed by tumors.
The researchers are aiming primarily to tackle cancers of the head and neck — those affecting the mouth, nose or throat, and caused largely by alcohol and tobacco use.
“A major problem in the treatment of these cancers is their resistance to traditional radio therapy,” said Aron Popovtzer, a clinical professor of oncology at the Sackler Faculty of Medicine and the Tel Aviv University, who led the study. “Some 40 percent of patients die, even after receiving aggressive treatment.”
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