This chapter describes a therapy for cancer using iron oxide nanoparticles,
called magnetosomes, which are synthesized by magnetotactic bacteria. After intratumoral
administration, magnetosomes extracted from magnetotactic bacteria are heated
by applying an alternating magnetic field. The heat induces anti-tumor activity. This
type of cancer therapy has essentially been developed using chemical nano-particles.
Magnetosomes possess a series of advantages as compared with these chemical
nanoparticles, such as a larger size and ferromagnetic behavior, which enable them to
produce more heat and an arrangement in chains, which prevents aggregation. A preclinical
proof of concept of the therapy, carried out on mice bearing MDA-MB231
breast tumors is presented and shows that it is possible to completely eradicate these
tumors with the therapy. The latter French company called “Nanobacterie”, has been
established in 2008 to develop the therapy.
Keywords: Alternating magnetic field, Cancer, Magnetotactic bacteria,
Magnetosomes, Magnetic hyperthermia, Tumor.