Researchers from Tel Aviv University and the Hebrew University have developed an innovative platform based on nanoparticles, which enables the precise transport of two drugs at the same time to cancerous tumor sites, while improving treatment efficiency and reducing toxicity to healthy cells
Researchers from Tel Aviv University in collaboration with the Hebrew University have developed a groundbreaking system for transporting two drugs at the same time directly to cancer tumor sites, while significantly improving the effectiveness and safety of the treatment.
The study, published in the journal Science Advances, presents an innovative platform based on biodegradable nanoparticles. These particles break down into water and carbon dioxide within a month and are intended for the precise transport of drug pairs to the tumor sites.
The researchers were able to target the particles to cancerous tumors by linking to sulfate groups that bind to the protein P-selectin, a protein that is expressed at high levels in cancer cells and in new blood vessels that form to feed the tumor.
Inter-university cooperation
The Hebrew University's contribution to research:
Researchers from the Hebrew University, who specialize in molecular chemistry and nanotechnology, collaborated in the development of the materials from which the nanoparticles are made. Their unique expertise helped to create a precise polymeric system that breaks down in a controlled process and allows drug release under the optimal conditions in the cancer tumor environment.
Prof. Ronit Stav-Fienro from Tel Aviv University emphasized the importance of the collaboration: "The advanced knowledge in the field of chemistry and materials brought by our colleagues from the Hebrew University allowed us to refine the development of the platform and adapt it to a variety of cancers."
The researchers emphasized that the combination of Tel Aviv University's extensive experience in medical technologies and the Hebrew University's expertise in applied chemistry opened the way to significant successes in this research.
Application and achievements in research
The researchers tested the platform on two groups of drugs approved by the FDA:
- BRAF and MEK inhibitors – for the treatment of melanoma with a BRAF mutation.
- PARP and PD-L1 inhibitors - for the treatment of breast cancer with a BRCA mutation.
The nanoparticles were tested in 3D models of cancer cells in the laboratory and in animal models with primary tumors and brain metastases.
main findings:
- The nanoparticles were targeted to the tumors precisely without harming healthy tissues.
- The particles were able to penetrate the blood-brain barrier and reach brain metastases.
- The therapeutic combination was several times more effective than administering drugs separately, even in doses 30 times lower.
- The treatment reduced the size of the tumor, delayed the progression of the disease and extended the life of the animal models.
Looking ahead
According to the researchers, the platform can be used to treat other tumors such as glioblastoma, pancreatic cancer and renal cell cancer.
The researchers note that the inter-university collaboration will continue to yield innovative solutions in the field of medical nanotechnology for the treatment of cancer and other complex diseases.
More of the topic in Hayadan:
