Aston University collaborates on injectable paste for bone cancer treatment

Injectable Paste Shows Promise in Bone Cancer Treatment

A groundbreaking research project at the Royal Orthopaedic Hospital, supported by a £110,000 grant from Orthopaedic Research UK, is exploring an innovative treatment for bone cancer: an injectable paste made from gallium-doped bioglass.

Targeting Cancer and Regeneration

This novel approach combines the anticancer properties of gallium with the regenerative capabilities of bioactive glass. “Advances in treatment of bone cancer have reached a plateau over the past 40 years, in part due to a lack of research studies into treatments and the complexity and challenges that come with treating bone tumours.Innovative and effective therapeutic approaches are needed, and this grant provides vital funds for us to continue our research into the use of gallium-doped bioglass in the treatment of bone cancer,”

explains Dr. Lucas Souza, research lab manager at the hospital’s Dubrowsky Lab and lead researcher on the project.

Gallium, a metallic element, has been shown to effectively kill cancer cells that remain after tumor removal. additionally, it accelerates bone regeneration and inhibits bacterial contamination. research led by Aston University has demonstrated a 99 percent success rate in eliminating cancer cells using bioactive glasses doped with gallium.

How it Works

Professor Richard Martin, from Aston University’s College of Engineering and Physical Sciences, elaborates on the mechanism: “The injectable paste will function as a drug delivery system for localized delivery of anticancer gallium ions and bisphosphonates while regenerating bone. Our hypothesis is that this will promote rapid bone formation and will prevent cancer recurrence by killing residual cancer cells and regulating local osteoclastic activity.”

Potential Benefits

The team anticipates notable benefits for patients. “The proposed biomaterial has the potential to drastically improve treatment outcomes of bone tumor patients by reducing cancer recurrence,implant-site infection rates,and implant failure rates leading to reduced time in hospital beds,less use of antibiotics,and fewer revision surgeries. Taken together, these benefits could improve survival rates, functionality, and quality of life of bone cancer patients,”

states Dr. Souza.

This innovative approach is particularly promising for cases where complete tumor removal is challenging or risky due to the tumor’s location or the patient’s overall health. It can also be used in conjunction with minimally invasive treatments like cryoablation or radiofrequency ablation to manage metastatic bone lesions.

Team and Future Research

The research team comprises leading experts in orthopaedic oncology, material science, and biomedicine from both the Royal Orthopaedic Hospital and Aston University. Further research and clinical trials are crucial to fully evaluate the safety and efficacy of this promising treatment.

This research represents a significant step forward in the fight against bone cancer, offering hope for improved treatment outcomes and a better quality of life for patients.

What are the specific ways in which the gallium-doped bioglass paste inhibits bone resorption and induces apoptosis in cancer cells?

alberga Interview: Dr. Zara Patel – Revolutionizing Bone Cancer Treatment

In an exciting growth for orthopaedic oncology, an innovative treatment for bone cancer is showing great promise. Archyde caught up with Dr.Zara Patel, Professor of Materials Science and Biomedicine at Aston University, to discuss an injectable paste made from gallium-doped bioglass, a research project supported by a £110,000 grant from Orthopaedic Research UK.

Injectable Paste: A New Hope

What sparked the idea of using an injectable paste for bone cancer treatment?

Dr. Zara Patel:

“The challenges faced in bone cancer treatment have been a concern for decades. Surgeries can be complex, and residual cancer cells are frequently enough responsible for recurrence. We needed a versatile therapeutic approach that could effectively target cancer cells and promote bone regeneration.

A Two-Pronged Approach

Gallium seems to play a pivotal role here. Tell us more about its anticancer properties.

Dr. Zara Patel:

Indeed, gallium has been a game-changer in our research. It’s known for inhibiting bone resorption and inducing apoptosis in cancer cells. It also interferes with cancer cell metabolism, essentially starving them. Moreover, it’suminhibits bacterial growth, preventing implant-site infections.

And how does the bioglass component assist in bone regeneration?

Dr. Zara Patel:

Bioactive glass stimulates osteoblast activity, promoting bone formation. When combined with gallium, it enhances bone regeneration and creates a more stable, localized environment for triumphant treatment.

Clinical Applications

What potential benefits do you anticipate for patients if this treatment is successfully implemented?

Dr.Zara Patel:

We expect reduced cancer recurrence, lower infection rates, and fewer revision surgeries. It could considerably improve quality of life, reduce hospital stays, and perhaps enhance survival rates. The versatility of this treatment, as an adjunct to minimally invasive procedures, adds to its promise.

Future Outlook

What are the next steps for this research project?

Dr. Zara Patel:

We’re pursuing further lab tests and animal studies to validate our findings. If successful, we hope to move on to clinical trials. It’s an exciting time,and we’re committed to seeing this through to help bone cancer patients worldwide.

Thoughts for Our Readers

As we wrap up, what message would you like to share with our readers about this revolutionary therapy?

Dr.Zara Patel:

This treatment represents a leap forward in bone cancer management. With continued support, collaboration, and breakthroughs like this, we can overcome the current treatment plateau and offer patients a brighter future.