Researchers at New York University Abu Dhabi have developed a smart molecule that can both detect and treat cancer, providing a safer and more precise treatment approach.
This study Journal of the American Chemical Society, focuses on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), a widely used tool that allows doctors to see tumors inside the body. MRI machines are often used for diagnosis but are not usually involved in treatment. A team at New York University Abu Dhabi has designed a molecule that combines both functions in a single system.
Unlike traditional drugs, which are small and relatively simple, these molecules have intertwined structures that resemble knots or rings. This design allows them to behave differently within the body, improving performance for both imaging and treatment.
The molecule is made from manganese and organic components. They remain inactive in healthy tissue but become active within slightly acidic tumors. When activated, manganese ions are released, increasing MRI contrast and causing therapeutic effects that damage cancer cells. The molecule was synthesized by Thirumurugan Prakasam, a researcher in the Traborsi group at New York University, Abu Dhabi.
Importantly, the researchers showed that these molecules can cross the blood-brain barrier and accumulate in glioblastoma tumors. This enables clear imaging of brain tumors that are difficult to detect and monitor using existing contrast agents.
The technology was tested on advanced glioblastoma tumors, one of the most difficult cancers to diagnose and treat. Achieving both clear imaging and therapeutic efficacy with this model highlights the strength of this approach and its potential for clinical use.
Our goal was to create materials that would help doctors see cancer clearly and treat it at the same time. The ability to image and target brain tumors with high precision is particularly exciting. ”
Farah Benietto, Principal Investigator, New York University Abu Dhabi
Manganese-based compounds also offer a safer alternative to gadolinium, a metal commonly used in MRI contrast agents that can accumulate in the body and cause side effects in some patients.
Ali Traborsi, a chemistry professor at New York University Abu Dhabi, said the research brings diagnosis and treatment closer together. “The unique structure of these molecules gives them capabilities not found in conventional drugs.”
The findings introduce a new generation of MRI agents that integrate diagnosis and treatment in a single platform, potentially making cancer treatment faster, safer, and more accurate.
This research was supported by the New York University Abu Dhabi Core Technology Platform.
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Reference magazines:
Benietto, F. Others. (2026). Non-trivial manganese-templated structures for MRI and therapy. Journal of the American Chemical Society. DOI: 10.1021/jacs.5c19016. https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/jacs.5c19016
