Tumours

Tumours are an abnormal growth of tissue that form when cells divide controllably or fall to die. There are two main types of tumours, benign and malignant. Benign tumours do not spread to other parts of the body and are often treated through monitoring or surgical removal if they cause complications. Malignant tumours are cancerous, can invade nearby tissues, and may spread to other parts of the body. Common treatments for malignant tumours include surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy. However, these treatments can also damage healthy cells and cause serious side effects. Therefore, there is a need for a more targeted and precise treatment method that can effectively destroy tumour cells while minimizing harm to healthy tissue.

This project was conducted using a research based approach. No physical experiment was performed. Information was gathered from credible medical and scientific sources to understand tumour treatments and the potential use of nanotechnology in medicine.

Research was first completed on benign and malignant tumours to understand their characteristics and current treatment options. Information on common treatments such as surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy was collected.

Next, research focused on nanotechnology and how nanobots may be used to target tumour cells and deliver treatment more precisely. Sources included medical research articles, educational websites, and cancer research organizations.

All information was organized into categories to clearly compare traditional tumour treatment and emerging nanotechnology treatments. Only reliable and up-to-date sources were used and all sources were cited properly.

Based on research collected, traditional tumour treatment such as surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation can be effective, but they have limitations. Surgery may not remove all tumour cells, chemotherapy can damage healthy cells, and radiation therapy may harm surrounding tissue.

Nanotechnology offers a more targeted approach. Nanobots and nanoparticle drug delivery systems are designed to identify and attached to tumour cells specifically. This allows treatment to be delivered directly to the tumour while reducing damage to healthy cells.

Because malignant tumours grow rapidly and can spread, precision is extremely important. Research suggests that targeted nanotechnology treatments may increase effectiveness while decreasing side effects. This supports the idea that nanotechnology could improve current tumour treatment methods.

Although nanotechnology is still being studied and developed, the research show strong potential for future medical care.

What is Nanotechnology?

Nanotechnology is the study and application of extremely small materials at the nanoscale. It combines science, engineering, and technology and is used in fields such as chemistry, biology, physics, materials science, and medicine. Nanotechnology works at the nanoscale, which is approximately 1 to 100 nanometers in size.

What is a Nanometer?

The prefix “nano” means one billionth. A nanometer (nm) is one billionth of a meter (1 nm = 0.000000001 m). Objects at this scale are too small to be seen with the naked eye and require advanced microscopes to observe.

What is the Nanoscale?

The nanoscale generally refers to structures between 1 and 100 nanometers. At this size, materials often have unique physical and chemical properties compared to larger forms. These properties make nanotechnology particularly useful in medical applications.

What is a Tumour?

A tumour, also called a neoplasm, is an abnormal mass of tissue. Tumours can be:

• Benign – non-cancerous and do not spread
• Premalignant – may become cancerous
• Malignant – cancerous and capable of spreading (metastasis)

Tumours can be solid or fluid-filled and vary depending on the type of tissue in which they form.

What Are Nanobots?

Nanobots (NBs) are microscopic robots designed to perform specific tasks inside the human body. In medical applications, they are proposed as a targeted treatment method.

One proposed design involves nanobots delivered in pill form. After ingestion, the outer layer dissolves, releasing thousands of nanobots into the bloodstream. These nanobots would travel toward the tumour and perform specific functions, such as:

• Locating tumour cells
• Cutting off the tumour’s blood supply
• Sealing blood vessels using electrocauterization
• Releasing chemicals to prevent new blood vessel growth

Without a blood supply, the tumour may shrink and eventually die.

Structure of Nanobots

Outer Layer

The outer layer may be composed of zinc, carbon, gold, and polymer materials:

• Zinc could act as an activation mechanism
• Carbon allows visibility under MRI
• Gold is biocompatible and does not react with the body
• Polymer coating may help prevent immune system attack

Arms / Claws

Nano-scale robotic arms made of gold atoms with scissor-like capabilities could cut blood vessels feeding the tumour.

Sensors

Nanobots may use chemotactic sensors to detect tumour cells. These sensors recognize chemical signals released by tumour cells or specific cell surface markers (antigens), allowing nanobots to distinguish healthy cells from tumour cells.

Nano Rotor

Nano rotors are microscopic rotary devices that allow nanobots to move. Scientists have developed rotors about 700 nanometers long. These rotors help the nanobot propel itself through the bloodstream and operate mechanical parts, such as arms or claws. Nano rotors are powered by chemical energy from glucose and oxygen or by external energy sources.

Detection System

Nanobots may locate tumour cells using a combination of:

• Surface markers / antigens: molecules that bind specifically to tumour cell proteins
• Chemotaxis: following chemical signals released by tumour cells
• pH differences: activating only in the slightly acidic environment of tumours

Power / Fuel System

Nanobots require energy to move and operate. They could use glucose and oxygen naturally present in the bloodstream. Alternatively, an external energy source, such as magnetic or electromagnetic energy, could be used in clinical settings.

Current Uses of Nanotechnology

Researchers have successfully created tiny molecular motors that use ATP (adenosine triphosphate) as an energy source. These motors can move objects larger than themselves. While full medical nanobots are still theoretical, nanoparticle drug delivery systems are already being developed and tested to target cancer cells more precisely.

The purpose of this project was to investigate whether nanotechnology could improve the treatment of tumours. Research showed that traditional treatments, such as surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy, are effective but can also damage healthy cells and cause side effects.

Nanotechnology, through the use of nanobots and targeted drug delivery systems, offers a more precise approach. Nanobots can locate tumour cells, cut off their blood supply, and deliver treatment directly, reducing harm to healthy tissue. Detection systems, power sources, and nano rotors allow nanobots to navigate and perform tasks efficiently within the body.

Although some nanobot functions are still theoretical and under research, current studies indicate that nanotechnology has strong potential to become a safer and more effective method for treating tumours in the future.

Zhu, Jiajun, et al. “Harnessing Nanotechnology for Cancer Treatment.” Frontiers in Bioengineering and Biotechnology, U.S. National Library of Medicine, 20 Jan. 2025, pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11788409/#:\~:text=4%20Nanotechnology%2Dbased%20therapeutic%20strategies,found%20in%20traditional%20cancer%20treatments.

“About Nanotechnology.” National Nanotechnology Coordination Office (NNCO), 25 Nov. 2025, www.nano.gov/about-nanotechnology/.

Canadian Cancer Society / Société canadienne du cancer. “Types of Tumours.” Canadian Cancer Society, cancer.ca/en/cancer-information/what-is-cancer/types-of-tumours.

Staff, Dana-Farber. “Tumor vs Cancer: What You Need to Know.” Dana, 8 Nov. 2019, blog.dana-farber.org/insight/2018/05/difference-cancer-tumor/.

Nanobots - an Overview | Sciencedirect Topics, www.sciencedirect.com/topics/engineering/nanobots.

Benign vs Malignant Tumors: What’s the Difference?, www.cancercenter.com/community/blog/2023/01/whats-the-difference-benign-vs-malignant-tumors.

“Types of Cancer Treatment.” NCI, www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/treatment/types.

https://pubs.acs.org/doi/full/10.1021/acs.chemrev.5b00047

https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/12/251223084531.htm

I would like to sincerely thank Mr. Marayuma for his guidance, support, and encouragement throughout this project. I would also like to thank my sister, Mahnoor, for always supporting me. She helped me revise my work, gave me suggestions on how to improve my work, and motivated me to enter the science fair even when I felt unsure. Her encouragement and belief made a big difference, and I truly appreciate her help.