A recent study conducted by a researcher at Northeastern University has revealed promising developments in the field of nanomedicine, potentially reducing the frequency of hospital visits for patients undergoing advanced breast cancer treatment. Needa Brown, an assistant teaching professor of physics at Northeastern, is leading the charge by developing a time-released immunomodulatory treatment using nanomedicine. Conventional cancer drugs often necessitate frequent hospital visits for daily or weekly delivery, significantly impacting the quality of life for patients. Brown’s research aims to address this issue by using nanomedicine to administer a time-released immune-boosting drug known as a STING agonist. This innovative approach could potentially reduce patient visits to once a month, significantly alleviating the treatment burden. Furthermore, the research is being funded by a three-year Department of Defense breakthrough grant, with Northeastern partnering with Dr. Jennifer Guerriero at Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston. The ultimate goal is to utilize the nanomedicine approach in clinical trials, with the potential to revolutionize cancer treatment. In addition to the breast cancer research, Brown’s lab has also received a Department of Defense grant to conduct a pilot project using lipid particles to deliver drug treatment for metastatic ovarian cancer. These initiatives underscore Northeastern’s pioneering role in nanomedicine education and research, with substantial funding and support for innovative programs developed by distinguished professors in the field. Brown emphasized the potential of nanotechnology in medical settings, highlighting the ability to manipulate atoms and molecules at the nanoscale to benefit patients. She expressed the importance of nanoparticles as effective drug delivery vehicles, reducing toxicity and enhancing efficacy while targeting the right areas. The groundbreaking research at Northeastern University represents a significant leap forward in cancer treatment, showcasing the potential of nanomedicine to transform patient care and improve treatment outcomes.
Date: January 11, 2024
Source: https://news.northeastern.edu/2024/01/11/nanomedicine-in-cancer-treatment/
