Magnetically guided drug delivery platform based on bio-carriers for the treatment of colorectal cancer
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OverviewThis innovative approach, based on special bacteria that can be directed by a magnetic field, will enable targeted therapeutic intervention at the tumor site. The proof-of-concept of this new technology will be performed using a cancer-fighting drug encapsulated in liposomes in colorectal cancer models. |
Many cancers are treated with cocktails of chemotherapy drugs designed to interfere with the growth and spread of cancerous cells. Although recent decades have brought significant improvements in patient survival and morbidity reduction, chemotherapy drugs still damage healthy cells, causing undesired side effects. Localized therapy could have a major impact on quality of life, treatment efficacy and patient survival.
Dr. Martel has pioneered a disruptive
approach using magnetotactic bacteria
whose flagella will propel them directly
to tumour sites through small blood vessels
with an external magnetic field controlled
by a computer. These bacteria have a diameter
of approximately two micrometres andare able to navigate through the smallest
capillaries to reach targets that are
inaccessible to microcarriers. The bacteria,
which have an encapsulated cancer-fighting
drug attached to their cellular envelope, are
injected at the periphery of the tumour
and are guided with an external magnetic
field to the centre of the tumour to deliver
the drug. This multidisciplinary project
involves renowned researchers whose
collaborative work in primary colorectal
cancer models seeks to demonstrate proof
of concept that this platform is efficacious
in targeting cancer cells and, in doing so,
decreases the devastating side-effects caused
by systemic delivery of chemotherapy drugs.
Impact on the drug discovery process
- Allow direct targeting of chemotherapy drugs to the cancer site, leading to better tumour penetration and improved drug efficacy
- Decrease the maximal effective anti-cancer
drug dose and therefore the secondary
systemic toxicity
- Deliver various drugs, existing or new, to treat several different localized cancers
- Reduce the need for invasive surgery
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