C60 fullerene molecule attacking a cancerous cell

C60 Fullerene: The Tiny Molecule with Huge Potential in Cancer Treatment

Samir D’Costa in Health & Wellness December 2025 • 4 min read.

"Unlocking the mysteries of how fullerenes and their nanocomplexes can revolutionize cancer therapies."

For decades, the fight against cancer has driven scientists to explore every avenue, from traditional chemotherapy to cutting-edge immunotherapy. Among the most promising recent discoveries are carbon-based nanomaterials, particularly C60 fullerene. This tiny molecule, composed of 60 carbon atoms arranged in a spherical structure, is showing immense potential as a platform for drug development, offering new hope in the quest for more effective cancer treatments.

Previous research has already demonstrated that C60 fullerene, whether used alone or combined with existing chemotherapeutic drugs, exhibits potent anticancer activity. However, the precise mechanisms behind these effects are still being investigated. Understanding how C60 fullerene interacts with the body's immune system and directly impacts cancer cells is crucial to unlocking its full therapeutic potential.

A groundbreaking study delved into the effects of C60 fullerene and its nanocomplexes (combinations with anticancer drugs) on human phagocytes – the immune cells responsible for engulfing and destroying foreign invaders and cellular debris. The research reveals that C60 fullerene dramatically increases the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in transformed monocytes, a type of white blood cell. This finding suggests a novel way in which C60 fullerene can target and eliminate cancer cells.

How C60 Fullerene Supercharges Immune Cells to Fight Cancer

C60 fullerene molecule attacking a cancerous cell

The study's methods involved analyzing the metabolic profile of phagocytes exposed to C60 fullerene in vitro. The researchers observed that C60 fullerene not only augmented phagocytic activity (the ability to engulf and destroy) but also downregulated the generation of reactive nitrogen species (RNS) in these cells. This seemingly contradictory effect – boosting one immune function while suppressing another – highlights the complex way in which C60 fullerene interacts with the immune system.

Furthermore, cytofluorimetric analysis revealed that C60 fullerene can exert a direct cytotoxic effect on both normal and transformed phagocytes. This effect is driven by a significant increase in intracellular ROS generation. While ROS are essential for various cellular processes, excessive ROS production can damage cells, leading to apoptosis (programmed cell death).

Here are the Key Findings:

Dual Action: C60 fullerenes influence phagocyte metabolism, exhibiting both pro-oxidant and antioxidant properties.
Selective Toxicity: The cytotoxic action of C60 fullerene is more pronounced toward malignant phagocytes.
Combination Therapy: C60 fullerenes can down-regulate the pro-oxidant effect of cisplatin on normal cells, suggesting a potential role in mitigating side effects in combination therapies.

These results indicate that C60 fullerenes can influence phagocyte metabolism and have both pro-oxidant and antioxidant properties. C60 fullerene's ability to modulate immune cell function and directly induce cell death in cancer cells suggests a multi-faceted approach to fighting cancer. The antineoplastic effect of C60 fullerene has been observed by direct toxic effect on tumor cells, as well as through the modulation of the functions of effector cells of antitumor immunity.

Implications and Future Directions

The discovery that C60 fullerene can modulate immune cell function and directly target cancer cells has significant implications for future cancer treatment strategies. By understanding the precise mechanisms through which C60 fullerene interacts with the body, researchers can develop more targeted and effective therapies. These findings pave the way for novel drug formulations and combination therapies that harness the unique properties of C60 fullerene to revolutionize cancer treatment.

About this Article -

This article was crafted using a human-AI hybrid and collaborative approach. AI assisted our team with initial drafting, research insights, identifying key questions, and image generation. Our human editors guided topic selection, defined the angle, structured the content, ensured factual accuracy and relevance, refined the tone, and conducted thorough editing to deliver helpful, high-quality information.See our About page for more information.

This article is based on research published under:

DOI-LINK: 10.1186/s12645-017-0034-0, Alternate LINK

Title: C60 Fullerene And Its Nanocomplexes With Anticancer Drugs Modulate Circulating Phagocyte Functions And Dramatically Increase Ros Generation In Transformed Monocytes

Subject: Physical and Theoretical Chemistry

Journal: Cancer Nanotechnology

Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC

Authors: Larysa M. Skivka, Svitlana V. Prylutska, Mariia P. Rudyk, Nataliia M. Khranovska, Ievgeniia V. Opeida, Vasyl V. Hurmach, Yuriy I. Prylutskyy, Leonid F. Sukhodub, Uwe Ritter

Published: 2018-10-31

Everything You Need To Know

What is C60 fullerene, and why is it considered promising in cancer treatment?

C60 fullerene is a tiny molecule composed of 60 carbon atoms arranged in a spherical structure. It's attracting attention because it exhibits potent anticancer activity, both on its own and when combined with existing chemotherapeutic drugs. This molecule offers new hope in the quest for more effective cancer treatments by potentially targeting and eliminating cancer cells directly and modulating the immune system.

How does C60 fullerene interact with the immune system in the context of cancer treatment?

C60 fullerene interacts with the body's immune system by influencing the metabolism of phagocytes, which are immune cells responsible for engulfing and destroying foreign invaders and cellular debris. It increases the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in transformed monocytes, which helps target and eliminate cancer cells. However, it also downregulates the generation of reactive nitrogen species (RNS), highlighting a complex interaction.

What are the key findings regarding the effects of C60 fullerene on cancer cells and phagocytes?

Key findings demonstrate that C60 fullerenes have a dual action, influencing phagocyte metabolism with both pro-oxidant and antioxidant properties. The cytotoxic action of C60 fullerene is more pronounced toward malignant phagocytes. Moreover, C60 fullerenes can down-regulate the pro-oxidant effect of cisplatin on normal cells, suggesting a potential role in mitigating side effects in combination therapies. These results indicate a multi-faceted approach to fighting cancer.

Can you explain the concept of C60 fullerene's selective toxicity in cancer treatment?

The selective toxicity of C60 fullerene refers to its ability to exert a more significant cytotoxic effect on malignant phagocytes compared to normal ones. This means it can directly induce cell death in cancer cells while potentially sparing healthy cells. This characteristic is crucial in cancer treatment, as it could lead to therapies with fewer side effects.

What are the potential implications of C60 fullerene in combination therapies and future cancer treatment strategies?

C60 fullerene's ability to modulate immune cell function and directly target cancer cells has significant implications for future cancer treatment strategies. It shows promise in combination therapies, for example, it can down-regulate the pro-oxidant effect of cisplatin on normal cells, potentially reducing side effects. These findings pave the way for novel drug formulations and combination therapies, harnessing the unique properties of C60 fullerene to revolutionize cancer treatment by developing more targeted and effective therapies.