A team of international scientists has developed an innovative technology to deliver two cancer drugs simultaneously to tumor sites, as reported by Tel Aviv University. The groundbreaking method utilizes polymeric nanoparticles to encapsulate and co-deliver drug pairs directly to tumors, avoiding damage to healthy tissues. Published in Science Advances, the research demonstrates the platform’s success in treating skin and breast cancer, as well as penetrating the blood-brain barrier to reach brain metastases.
In testing on 3D cancer cell models and animal models, the technology significantly reduced tumor size and extended the lifespan of laboratory mice by delivering both drugs together. This approach aims to amplify the effects of drug combinations and improve treatment for tumors expressing the P-selectin protein, which could benefit both primary tumors and metastases. By ensuring both drugs reach the tumor site together, the method enhances therapeutic effects while minimizing harm to healthy tissues.
While combining drugs has been a common strategy in cancer treatment, this new technology represents a major advancement in oncology by addressing the challenges of coordinating different drug circulation times and degradation rates. The platform has the potential to revolutionize cancer treatment by providing a more effective and less toxic way to deliver combination therapies.
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