Nano drug outcome predicted
Researchers from the University of Texas from Houston have successfully predicted the outcome of a nano drug on breast tumors in a pre-clinical study. The results of this research are of huge importance for determining which patients will respond best to nano drugs (which are supposed to “kill” cancer).
Researchers used contrast agents encapsulated in tiny fat bubbles called liposomes to find out if breast tumors in rodents could be breached by liposomes loaded with a cancer drug called liposomal doxorubicin. Then they X-rayed the rodents, and received good images of porous breast tumors which had absorbed the contrast agents. On the other hand, poor images indicated the contrast agents had not substantially penetrated the tumor. When liposomal doxorubicin was administered, it was associated with better therapeutic results in the tumors with superior images.
“We can tell if the animals are candidates for the treatment or not,” said Ananth Annapragada PhD, one of the researchers.
Nano drugs are designed to increase the amount of drug that actually reaches the tumor. At this moment of time, when an intravenous cancer drug is injected, a tiny amount reaches its final target. The remaining drug circulates in the bloodstream and can cause side effects. “This new information could help personalize the treatment of cancer with liposomal doxorubicin,” said Annapragada.
The details are published in the journal Radiology.
Source: uth.tmc.edu
