Cancer is a complex disease that can spread from one organ to another through microscopic messengers known as extracellular vesicles. These tiny bubbles, made of lipids and proteins, carry genetic information and play a crucial role in the formation of metastases.
Researchers at the Department of Electrical Engineering at the École de technologie supérieure (ÉTS) are collaborating with biology specialists to study how cancers transform into metastases and invade other organs. By focusing on lipid nanoparticles, specifically liposomes, which are about 100 nanometers in size, the team aims to improve the delivery of drugs directly to tumor cells.
Unlike conventional chemotherapy, liposomes have been shown to target tumors more effectively, reduce side effects, and improve the penetration and specificity of treatment, especially in the case of metastases. These nanomedicines have the potential to make cancer treatments more targeted, effective, and tolerable.
Extracellular vesicles, including those released by cancer cells, are responsible for transporting genetic information and altering healthy cells, turning them into cancer cells. To study these natural vesicles more efficiently, the research team produces artificial liposomes using micromixers. By mimicking the size and charge of extracellular vesicles, these liposomes are then incubated with cancer cells to observe their absorption and impact on tumor development.
The ultimate goal of this research is to prevent the formation of metastases and increase patient survival rates. By developing new treatments that utilize liposomes as drug delivery vehicles, researchers hope to block the spread of cancer and improve outcomes for patients. Encapsulating compounds like turmeric, known for its anti-cancer properties, in liposomes can enhance their ability to target diseased cells and improve treatment efficacy.
Innovative strategies using liposomes to transport various molecules, such as paclitaxel or antibodies, have shown promise in cancer treatments by improving drug delivery and the body’s ability to detect and fight diseased cells. By unlocking the secrets of how cancer spreads and developing targeted therapies, the research team aims to revolutionize cancer treatment and improve patient outcomes.
This groundbreaking research highlights the potential of liposomes in preventing metastasis and enhancing the effectiveness of cancer treatments. By understanding the role of extracellular vesicles in cancer spread and developing innovative approaches to block it, researchers are paving the way for more personalized and effective cancer therapies.
