The largest NIH research program in nanotechnology is centered at the National Cancer Institute (NCI).NCI recognized that scientists remained limited in their ability to turn promising molecular discoveries into benefits for cancer patients.In order to reduce the burden of cancer, they are determined to harness the power of nanotechnology to radically change the way in which cancer is diagnosed, treated and prevented.Accordingly, both in their intramural laboratories in Bethesda and Frederick, Maryland and in Centers of Nanotechnology Excellence situated in universities across the nation, NCI is developing research tools to identify new biological targets, to monitor predictive molecular changes and prevent precancerous cells from becoming malignant, to devise imaging agents and diagnostics to detect cancer at the earliest pre-symptomatic stage, to formulate multi-functional targeted devices, to deliver multiple therapeutic agents to cancer cells directly, to design systems to provide real-time assessments of therapeutic and surgical efficacy, and to initiate novel methods for managing symptoms that reduce quality of life.
The National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS) is the NIH Institute that is providing leadership on investigations into the potential environmental and human health concerns associated with use of engineered nanomaterials.NIEHS is developing research partnerships across the NIH, other federal agencies and industry to determine the fundamental interactions of engineered nanomaterials with biological systems.This research is designed to identify the unique properties of ENM that promote their beneficial use, minimize risk, and shorten time from research to application.The NIH is the only Federal agency with the breadth of research expertise to provide leadership in uncovering medically relevant properties of engineered nanoparticles.These research goals are fully supported by the Trans-NIH Nanotechnology Task Force.
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