University of Talca showcases nanomedicine advances for cancer treatment

Researchers highlighted how nanotechnology is being used to develop more precise cancer therapies at the ProNano Maule 2026 conference held at the University of Talca. Dean Cristian Vilos explained that conventional chemotherapy harms both healthy and tumor cells, and that nanomedicine aims to deliver drugs directly to cancer cells, reducing side effects. Dora Altbir, director of the Centre for Nanoscience and Nanotechnology (Cedenna) and 2019 National Science Award winner, described nanoparticle‑based treatments that can destroy cancer cells and noted similar progress in vaccine development, early detection of neurological diseases, and new cardiovascular therapies. University rector Arcadio Cerda emphasized the broader economic benefits, citing potential growth in productivity, revenue, resource savings, and job creation driven by nanoscience research.

The event brought together scientists from the University of Talca, the Catholic University of the Maule, and other national experts, underscoring Chile’s commitment to advancing nanomedicine for health and industry.