The innovative approach, developed by a team at the West Pomeranian University of Technology (ZUT) in collaboration with the Pomeranian Medical University (PUM), uses nanotechnology to deliver drugs directly to cancer cells without harming healthy tissue.
Dr. Agnieszka Piegat, who leads the research, explained that the method is designed to overcome challenges in treating ovarian cancer, where tumor cells often spread within the abdominal cavity.
These cells produce mucins—proteins that form a protective shield around the cancer cells. The new treatment uses nanoparticles that identify and target these mucins, leaving healthy cells unaffected.
Preclinical trials on animals have shown promising results.
"We have observed a halt in tumor growth and improved overall condition in animals treated with this therapy compared to traditional drug delivery methods," Piegat said.
Researchers are now analyzing how the medication distributes in the body and its effects on internal organs and gut flora.
Conventional cancer treatments, such as chemotherapy delivered intravenously or into the abdominal cavity, often damage healthy cells and cause severe side effects. By contrast, this targeted method aims to minimize collateral damage, focusing only on cancer cells.
The project, supervised by Prof. Aneta Cymbaluk-Płoska and Prof. Danuta Bogacka, stems from the Polish "Lider" program, which initially developed drug delivery carriers for treating stomach ulcers caused by Helicobacter pylori.
Encouraged by the success of that research, the team adapted the technology for ovarian cancer, encapsulating carboplatin—a commonly used chemotherapy drug—within the nanoparticles.
The team includes several scientists from ZUT, including Dr. Agata Goszczyńska, Dr. Agata Niemczyk, Dr. Anna Żywicka and Dr. Klaudia Brodaczewska.
While the treatment is still in the preclinical phase, its success in animal trials marks a significant step forward.
Further studies are underway to refine the method and assess its long-term impact. If successful, the approach could revolutionize cancer treatment, offering more effective and less invasive options for patients.
(rt/gs)
Source: polskieradio24.pl, szczecin.tvp.pl