How nanoparticles could change the way we treat cancer | Joy Wolfram
Rebecca's Story: A Call to Action in Cancer Research
Introduction to Rebecca's Struggle
- The speaker recounts a phone call from Rebecca, who invites her to her funeral, indicating a dire situation.
- Rebecca passed away the next day at age 31 after battling breast cancer for eight years, highlighting the failures of both scientific and medical communities.
The Urgency of Cancer Research
- Every five seconds, someone dies of cancer; thus, there is an urgent need for change in cancer treatment strategies.
- Over $100 billion has been spent on cancer research since the 1970s with limited progress in survival rates for aggressive cancers.
The Analogy of Firefighters and Nanoparticles
- Current cancer treatments are likened to firefighters sent without proper equipment (fire trucks), as over 99% of drugs fail to reach tumors due to lack of effective delivery systems.
- Nanoparticles are introduced as the "fire trucks" that can carry and deliver cancer drugs directly to tumors.
Understanding Nanoparticles: Size Matters
What Are Nanoparticles?
- Various types exist, including metal-based and fat-based nanoparticles; their size is crucial for effectiveness.
- A hair strand is used as a comparison; it takes 400 nanoparticles stacked together to equal its thickness.
Functionality of Nanoparticles in Drug Delivery
- Nanoparticles prevent rapid clearance of drugs from the body by being larger than traditional drug molecules.
- They allow drugs more time in circulation before reaching tumors compared to unencapsulated drugs.
Challenges Facing Current Cancer Treatments
Limitations of Approved Nanoparticles
- Despite having over ten clinically approved nanoparticles, challenges remain such as liver filtration which destroys foreign objects like nanoparticles.
Strategies for Improvement
- One proposed strategy involves temporarily disarming liver immune cells that consume nanoparticles before they can reach tumors.
Innovative Solutions: Unexpected Discoveries
Utilizing Existing Drugs
- A preclinical study found that an old malaria drug could stop immune cells from destroying nanoparticles, allowing them to reach their target effectively.
Harnessing Natural Resources
Biological Nanoparticles in Cancer Treatment
The Role of Biological Nanoparticles
- Biological nanoparticles are naturally occurring components within the body, found in saliva, blood, urine, and pancreatic juice. They can be utilized as delivery vehicles for cancer drugs.
- These nanoparticles can evade recognition by liver immune cells, allowing them to reach tumors effectively. This approach employs a Trojan-horse strategy to enhance drug delivery.
Challenges and Innovations
- A significant challenge in utilizing biological nanoparticles is isolating them in large quantities without causing damage. Research has led to the development of an efficient method for this isolation.
- The lab's method allows for processing large volumes of bodily fluids to produce concentrated formulations of high-quality biological nanoparticles. However, these innovations are not yet available clinically due to lengthy approval processes.
Collaborative Efforts and Future Aspirations
- The journey from laboratory research to clinical application typically spans about 12 years, necessitating collaboration between scientists and physicians dedicated to advancing cancer treatment.