Nano-therapy cancer treatment: A Russian innovation that eliminates tumors
The global medical landscape is undergoing rapid transformations thanks to the remarkable advancements in nanotechnology, which has become the spearhead in humanity's battle against intractable diseases. In a move that could revolutionize traditional cancer treatment, a team of Russian scientists at Peter the Great National Polytechnic University has successfully developed an innovative treatment technique based on nanoparticles , offering hope to millions of patients worldwide and relieving them of the burden of conventional therapies.
Historical background: Challenges of traditional chemotherapy
For decades, chemotherapy has been the primary treatment for cancer. Despite its effectiveness, it has always been associated with severe side effects due to its inability to distinguish between cancerous and healthy cells, leading to weakened immunity, hair loss, and general fatigue. Furthermore, most effective treatments required intravenous injections in hospitals, increasing the psychological and financial burden on patients. This underscores the critical importance of the new Russian innovation that aims to transform the treatment into a safe, precisely targeted oral form.
A Russian innovation with unique characteristics
The new innovation relies on encapsulating anti-tumor drugs within ultra-small nanocapsules made of biomaterials such as gelatin and chitosan . The brilliance of this design lies in its ability to protect the active pharmaceutical ingredient from degradation by stomach acid and strong digestive juices, an obstacle that previously prevented the development of many cancer drugs into oral tablets.
This technology allows the drug to pass safely through the stomach and reach the intestines, where it is effectively absorbed and targets the affected cells, specifically in cases of melanoma (skin cancer) , whether in the primary tumor or metastases spread throughout the body.
Laboratory results exceed expectations
Preclinical trials have shown remarkable results, with Dr. Sergey Shpilovskyk, the project's lead researcher, stating that the use of the new nanomedicine on mouse models infected with melanoma led to:
- Tumor growth was inhibited by between 88% and 95% compared to the group that did not receive treatment.
- Reducing the spread of cancer metastases to the lungs by up to 82%.
The future of treatment and its global impact
This achievement represents a significant leap forward in the field of precision medicine, where the drug acts as a "smart sniper," targeting the disease without harming surrounding tissues. Tests have confirmed the safety of internal organs and the absence of high toxicity, paving the way for clinical trials in humans.
The success of this technology not only means increased chances of recovery, but also a radical improvement in the quality of life of patients, as in the near future cancer treatment could be transformed from painful hospital sessions to mere pills taken by the patient at home, thus turning cancer from a fatal disease into a chronic disease that can be controlled and lived with.
