A new form of targeted nanodrug treatment could be the answer to fighting ovarian cancer. Researchers at the University of Texas at Austin have developed a new RNA-based nanodrug that is capable of attacking cancer cells while leaving healthy cells unharmed. The nanodrug uses a form of short interfering RNA (siRNA) that is made up of two strands of genetic material. The strands are designed to bind to a specific protein, which is linked to ovarian cancer. Once the siRNA binds to the protein, it shuts down the protein, preventing it from performing its intended function. This essentially stops the cancer cells from growing and multiplying, thus slowing or even reversing the progression of the disease. The nanodrug is also capable of delivering therapeutic drugs directly to the cancer cells, which helps to further reduce their growth and spread. This new form of targeted nanodrug treatment not only offers a potential cure for ovarian cancer, but could also help to treat a range of other diseases.

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source: Phys.org