Breakthrough nanoparticles could define next-gen cancer treatment
A team of researchers from West Pomeranian Medical University in Poland has developed polymeric nanoparticles that precisely deliver drugs to cancer cells. This advancement could revolutionize cancer treatment.
A team of researchers from West Pomeranian Medical University and 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 improve the effectiveness of therapy, particularly for ovarian cancer.
The researchers from WPMU and PMU have discovered a method to encapsulate drugs in polymeric shells that target cancer cells directly. Dr. Eng. Piegat explained that modified polymers, which form nanoparticles during the emulsification process, were used.
We used polymers that we modified so that during the emulsification process, such nanoparticles form, and then we developed a method of encapsulating various types of drugs in polymeric shells — explained Dr. Eng. Piegat in an interview with the Polish Press Agency.
The first application of these nanoparticles was in treating gastric ulcers, where they encased antibiotics and drugs that reduce stomach acidity. Currently, the scientists are adapting the technology for anticancer drugs, such as carboplatin, used in ovarian cancer treatment. Cancer cells in the abdominal cavity secrete mucins that form a mucus barrier. Thanks to this discovery, drugs can be precisely directed to cancer cells, minimizing the impact on healthy tissues.
Promising research results
Dr. Piegat emphasized 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 tumor growth inhibition and a better overall condition of the animals undergoing therapy compared to traditional drug administration — Piegat emphasized. Currently, the analysis focuses on how drugs spread in the body and their impact on internal organs and intestinal flora.
The researchers plan further studies. Nanoparticles will be tested on larger animals, such as pigs. The widespread implementation of this technology 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 programs.
According to the Polish Press Agency, the project "Synthesis and Characterization 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.
