Targeted cancer treatment: New nanoparticle breakthrough
A team of researchers from the West Pomeranian Medical University in Poland has developed polymeric nanoparticles that precisely deliver drugs to cancer cells. This breakthrough has the potential to revolutionise cancer treatment.
A team of researchers from the West Pomeranian Medical University and the Pomeranian Medical University, led by Dr. Eng. Agnieszka Piegat, has developed innovative polymeric nanoparticles. These novel structures have the ability to accurately deliver drugs to cancer cells, which can significantly increase the effectiveness of therapy, particularly in cases of ovarian cancer.
The researchers from WPMU and PMU discovered a method to encase drugs in polymeric shells that target cancer cells directly. Dr. Eng. Piegat explained that modified polymers, which form nanoparticles during the emulsification process, were employed.
We used polymers that we modified so that during the emulsification process, such nanoparticles would form, and then we devised a method of encapsulating various types of drugs in polymeric shells," explained Dr. Eng. Piegat in an interview with the Polish Press Agency.
The initial application of these nanoparticles was in treating gastric ulcers, where they enclosed antibiotics and drugs to reduce stomach acidity. Currently, the scientists are adapting the technology for anticancer drugs, such as carboplatin, used in treating ovarian cancer. Cancer cells in the abdominal cavity secrete mucins that form a mucus barrier. With this discovery, drugs can be precisely directed to cancerous cells, minimising the impact on healthy tissues.
Promising research results
Dr. Piegat emphasised that the research results are "very promising." Polymeric nanoparticles demonstrated high efficacy in studies on small animals, as confirmed by Prof. Danuta Bogacka. We observe tumour growth inhibition and a better overall condition of the animals undergoing therapy compared to traditional drug administration, Piegat emphasised. Currently, researchers are analysing how drugs disperse in the body and their effects on internal organs and intestinal flora.
The researchers plan to conduct further studies. Nanoparticles will be tested on larger animals, such as pigs. The implementation of this technology for widespread use in medicine may take many years, but the researchers are determined to continue. Currently, the project is funded by the internal resources of WPMU and PMU, but the scientists plan to apply for additional funds from ministerial and EU programmes.
According to the Polish Press Agency, the project "Synthesis and Characterisation of Multifunctional Polymeric Controlled Drug Release Systems" (NanoEnCap) also involved Dr. Eng. Agata Goszczyńska, Dr. Eng. Agata Niemczyk, Dr. Eng. Anna Żywicka, and Dr. Eng. Klaudia Brodaczewska.
