Navigating precise cancer treatments with nanotechnology

28 November 2023

Imagine a cancer treatment as precise as a GPS-enabled postal delivery system—delivering therapies only to the intended address, minimising disturbance to the surrounding neighbourhood of healthy cells. Such an approach could dramatically reduce side effects and improve treatment effectiveness. Enter targeted drug delivery—a promising frontier in tackling complex human diseases such as cancer, where Dr Ezharul Hoque Chowdhury, a professor at the Jeffrey Cheah School of Medicine and Health Science, Monash University Malaysia, is making significant waves.

Professor Chowdhury has thrown a spotlight on carbonate apatite (CA) nanoparticles, a unique class of drug carriers. These tiny couriers, tens of thousands of times finer than human hair, have emerged as potent allies in the fight against cancer. Their specialised properties enable them to rapidly deliver a diverse range of therapeutics—from genes and mRNAs to proteins and oligonucleotides, directly within cancer cells. This ensures that the drug is not merely delivered, but is optimally released at the precise location to maximise its therapeutic effects.

Zeroing in on breast cancer cells

Under Professor Chowdhury's guidance, research at Monash University Malaysia is illuminating the multifaceted capabilities of CA nanoparticles in the intricate choreography of drug delivery. In one significant stride, these nanoparticles have been engineered to act as gene transporters in breast cancer treatment. "Picture them as microscopic couriers, assigned with the critical task of delivering specific genetic instructions to cancer cells, effectively reprogramming those cells to halt their uncontrolled growth," explained Professor Chowdhury. "Turning the cells' machinery against them, we found that tumours grew slower and even shrunk in size."

Taking the technology one step further, Professor Chowdhury's team harnessed CA nanoparticles to perform a dual role in combating breast cancer. These nanoparticles were designed to transport RNA molecules that mute rouge genes fuelling cancer growth, while also delivering replacements for malfunctioning tumour suppressor genes. This two-pronged approach effectively silences a gene that promotes cancer while restoring a gene that fights it—offering a powerful way to suppress tumours at their source.

Precision takes centre stage

A fundamental hurdle, however, is ensuring these therapeutic agents consistently reach their intended targets within the body. "Upon entering the bloodstream, the body's defence system might quickly intercept and reroute these drug-loaded nanoparticles," said Professor Chowdhury. "This could divert them to unintended destinations like the liver or spleen."

Addressing this conundrum, Professor Chowdhury's team modified the nanoparticles—from covering them with polyethylene glycol coatings that act as a 'disguise cloak', to incorporating elements like magnesium and iron into their structure—extending their circulation time and curbing the tendency of these nanoparticles to cluster. Much like enhancing the fuel efficiency of a vehicle, these improvements ensure that more nanoparticles are free to navigate the bloodstream and deliver their cancer-fighting payloads precisely.

While these drugs seek out their targets, it's also crucial they don't inadvertently accumulate at unintended sites like the heart, where they could trigger harmful side effects. Reflecting this concern, Professor Chowdhury's research also focuses on customising CA nanoparticles with biodegradable and biocompatible chemical components, significantly reducing the risk of unintended organ accumulation and boosting patient safety.

From bench to bedside

Beyond academic discovery, Professor Chowdhury's insights are crossing into clinical reality through a patented innovation. Rooted in his team's research findings, this patent brings forth the potential for transformative applications in clinical settings, offering more efficient and effective treatment regimens that enhance the outlook for patients facing complex diseases like breast cancer.

Drawing a parallel to a GPS-enabled postal service, both the journey and the destination prove essential in targeted drug delivery. Professor Chowdhury's research aims not only to ensure that cancer treatments reach their intended targets but to do so efficiently, safely and effectively—pioneering a new course in the battle against one of today's most prevalent and challenging health conditions.