METHOD FOR THE PRODUCTION OF SUB-MICROMETRIC PARTICLES AND THEIR THERANOSTIC USE IN ONCOLOGY WITH A SPECIFIC APPARATUS

摘要

ABSTR CT The invention relates to a method for producing sub-micrometric particles, which comprises: mechanochemical treatment of homogeneous or heterogeneous magnetic materials until a mass which consists mostly of magnetic nanocrystal aggregates is obtained; selection of aggregates so that the nanocrystals have a Curie temperature within a predefined variation range; functionalization of the aggregates in order to obtain coating thereof with molecules of one or more of the following types of substances: substances for which the tumour cells have a particular metabolic avidity; substances having a biochemical affinity with the tumour cells; substances having an affinity with the acid microenvironment which surrounds the neoplastic cells. In addition to the method the following are claimed: the particles thus produced; their theranostic use which allows the in vivo execution, without interruption, of the diagnosis or monitoring step and the therapy step by means of magnetic hyperthermia of malignant neoplasms, including those localized in the so-called "sanctuary sites" such as the central nervous system and the testicle; an apparatus designed for this use.