UC Davis Scientists Develop 'Smart' Nanotechnology for Precision Cancer Treatment
UC Davis Comprehensive Cancer Center scientists are developing a 'smart' nanotechnology system designed to deliver cancer drugs directly into tumors while sparing healthy tissue. This groundbreaking research is being conducted at the cancer center's new Experimental Therapeutics Laboratory.
Nanoparticle Mechanism
The lab team has engineered transformable nanoparticles that travel through the body as tiny particles. Upon reaching cancer sites, these particles reshape into nanofiber networks. These fibers adhere to tumors but naturally dissipate much more quickly in healthy organs, thereby creating a built-in targeting system.
Transformable nanoparticles reshape into nanofiber networks at cancer sites, adhering to tumors while rapidly dissipating in healthy organs, creating a built-in targeting system.
Research Leadership and Funding
Distinguished Professor Kit S. Lam from the UC Davis Health Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine and the Division of Hematology and Oncology is leading this innovative research. The project recently secured a $3.1 million National Institutes of Health (NIH) R01 grant from the National Cancer Institute (NCI).
Professor Lam stated that this grant will accelerate the development of this new method for treating cancer. He indicated that the system allows for 'parking' nanoparticles at tumor sites and activating treatment on demand, as an alternative to systemic drug delivery.
"The system allows for 'parking' nanoparticles at tumor sites and activating treatment on demand, as an alternative to systemic drug delivery."
Targeted Drug Delivery
Once the nanoparticles have formed a fibrous web around a tumor, researchers can deliver therapeutic molecules using a highly specific 'click chemistry' reaction. This method enables clinicians to administer various medicines, including small-molecule drugs, toxins, or immune-boosting molecules, to augment the immune system's anti-tumor effects.
The nanoparticles can remain in tumor areas for up to a week, yet they clear from healthy organs such as the liver and lungs within two days. This extended presence in tumors provides a unique advantage for introducing cancer-fighting treatments precisely when and where they are required.
This extended presence in tumors provides a unique advantage for introducing cancer-fighting treatments precisely when and where they are required.
Two-Component, Two-Step Strategy
The UC Davis team's approach is described as a two-component, two-step strategy:
- Step one: The nanoparticles locate the tumor and transform into a long-lasting molecular framework.
- Step two: Doctors administer therapeutic agents that lock onto this drug delivery system and begin working within the tumor microenvironment.
Project Goals
The project outlines three primary objectives:
- To design and refine nanoparticles that target receptors found in specific cancers, such as non-small cell lung cancer.
- To utilize advanced imaging techniques to understand how the nanoparticles behave in living systems.
- To test the safety and effectiveness of this approach in preclinical cancer models.
If successful, this technology has the potential to significantly alter how oncologists deliver effective treatments, aiming to reduce side effects and enhance precision. The platform offers flexibility to deliver multiple treatments sequentially or in combination, with the ultimate goal of fostering a robust, long-lasting immune response to aid the body in fighting cancer autonomously.
If successful, this technology has the potential to significantly alter how oncologists deliver effective treatments, aiming to reduce side effects and enhance precision.