This discovery eliminates 99% of bone cancer

This discovery could revolutionize the fight against bone cancer. A surprising material, bioactive glass, could destroy cancer cells without affecting healthy ones.

Researchers from Aston University have presented promising results. Their new osteosarcoma treatment is based on gallium-doped glass.


Currently, osteosarcoma is primarily treated with surgery to remove the tumor. This treatment is often complemented by chemotherapy or radiotherapy to eliminate the remaining cancer cells. However, despite these combined approaches, the recurrence of the disease in the same area is frequent, significantly complicating the prognosis for patients and reducing long-term recovery chances.


Gallium, a metal known for its toxicity, is used here in a targeted manner to specifically attack cancer cells. In fact, these cells overexpress a particular receptor that facilitates the absorption of gallium ions. As a result, the cancer cells absorb them massively, leading to a self-destructive process, while sparing nearby healthy cells, which do not exhibit this receptor.

In laboratory tests, a glass containing 5% gallium oxide destroyed 99% of cancer cells in just ten days, while leaving healthy cells unharmed. The bioactive glass also demonstrated an ability to stimulate bone regeneration. However, the high concentrations of gallium needed to eliminate cancer cells impair this process.

Researchers are working to optimize the composition of this glass to combine the destruction of malignant cells with bone regeneration. The next steps include testing on metastatic cancer cells and developing an injectable paste for more practical clinical use.

What is bioactive glass and how does it help in treating bone cancer?

Bioactive glass is a material composed of glass nanoparticles combined with metals, initially used in medicine for bone implants and dental fillings.

This material has the ability to bond with living tissues, particularly bone, and interact with them in a beneficial way.

How does bioactive glass regenerate bone?

Bioactive glass has a unique ability to promote bone regeneration. When placed in a bodily environment, it releases ions that react with biological fluids. This reaction causes the formation of a layer of hydroxyapatite, a key mineral that is a component of bone structure.

This new mineral layer stimulates the growth of bone cells around the glass. Thus, the material is not merely a passive implant: it directly activates the reconstruction of damaged bone, promoting its natural healing.

Why is osteosarcoma hard to treat?

Osteosarcoma is an aggressive bone cancer that mainly affects children and young adults. It develops rapidly and often spreads to the lungs or other parts of the body, complicating standard treatments like surgery. Even after tumor removal, cancer cells may remain.

Additionally, osteosarcoma has a high recurrence rate. Treatments like chemotherapy and radiotherapy are sometimes ineffective in preventing the disease from reappearing in the same location, making the prognosis often uncertain.

Article author: Cédric DEPOND