Nanoparticles Shine New Light on Cancer Treatment: Targeting Metastases and Boosting Immune System

Scientists at Ruhr University have made a discovery in the fight against cancer by developing nanoparticles that can effectively target and eliminate cancer cells, even those hiding as undetected metastases. Their research, published in Nature Communications, offers new hope in the battle against this deadly disease.

Nanoparticles: A Precision Weapon against Metastases

While progress has been made in treating primary tumours, metastases have remained a formidable adversary. These rogue cells are responsible for 90% of cancer-related deaths, making them a critical target in the battle against cancer.

The team led by Dr. Johannes Karges at Ruhr University Bochum has developed nanoparticles designed to selectively accumulate in cancer cells. Their clever strategy takes advantage of the unique properties of tumor tissue, which is often leaky, allowing nanoparticles to preferentially enter and accumulate in the tumor cells.

**Step One: Targeting Known Tumors**

The nanoparticles are administered into the bloodstream, where they remain inactive. Their power is unleashed through activation with light. If a known tumor is detected, the nanoparticles are activated by irradiation with light, such as during surgery. This activation triggers a process known as immunogenic cell death, effectively eliminating the tumor cells containing the photoactivated nanoparticles.

**Step Two: Mobilizing the Immune System**

But the nanoparticles' magic doesn't stop there. They induce significant oxidative stress within the tumor cells, alerting the body's immune system. The immune cells recognize the abnormality in these stressed cells and launch a search-and-destroy mission. Not only do they target the treated tumor cells but also similar cells throughout the body, effectively hunting down potential metastases.

**Real-Life Success: Mice with Human Tumors**

The research team put their innovative approach to the test in experiments on cancer cells and animal models. They achieved remarkable results, effectively treating mice implanted with cells from metastasized and previously incurable human tumors. This breakthrough brings us one step closer to a new era in cancer treatment.

**The Road Ahead: Clinical Applications**

While this discovery holds immense promise, there's still work to be done before it becomes a widely available clinical tool. The team is now seeking industrial partners to support further in-depth studies. Dr. Johannes Karges anticipates that several more years of development will be needed before this technology can be harnessed for the benefit of patients worldwide.

In the ongoing battle against cancer, these nanoparticles represent a beacon of hope. They not only target and eliminate tumors but also stimulate the body's immune system to seek out and destroy metastatic cells. This dual-action approach could revolutionize cancer treatment, offering new opportunities for saving lives and winning the war against this devastating disease.

Phago'citations':

Zhou, H., Tang, D., Yu, Y. et al. Theranostic imaging and multimodal photodynamic therapy and immunotherapy using the mTOR signaling pathway. Nat Commun14, 5350 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-023-40826-5