Unm Engineers Pioneer New Ovarian Cancer Treatment with Nanoparticle Gel

Albuquerque, Nm – Breaking ground in women’s health, engineers at The University of New Mexico (Unm) are spearheading a novel research project focused on alternative treatments for ovarian cancer. The innovative approach centers around a nanoparticle-packed gel designed for targeted drug delivery.

Olivia Lanier, an assistant professor in the Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, has secured an American Cancer Society Institutional Research Grant sub-award through the Unm Comprehensive Cancer Center. This $30,000 grant, active until the end of 2025, supports her pilot project, “Targeted Vaginal Delivery of Frα-Specific Lipid Nanoparticles Using Thermo and Enzyme-Responsive Hydrogels for Platinum-Resistant Ovarian Cancer.”

Addressing Health Equity through Innovative Drug Delivery

Lanier emphasized the critical need for sex-based studies in drug delivery. “Studying drug delivery based on sex is critical for advancing health equity because women have historically been excluded from biomedical research, creating a medical landscape that favors the traditional male body,” Lanier stated.

She further noted that despite nanomedicine’s vast potential, women’s health applications account for less than 1% of nanoparticle-related research on PubMed. Addressing this disparity can lead to improved treatment outcomes. Developing targeted therapies that account for female-specific biology ensures healthcare technologies benefit everyone”.

Mitigating Side Effects with Targeted Nanoparticles

Recurrent ovarian cancer after chemotherapy poses significant treatment challenges. While newer drugs like Elahere (mirvetuximab soravtansine-gynx) have shown promise in treating resistant forms of the disease,they also carry a risk of ocular toxicity,including blurred vision,corneal disorders,cataracts,and dry eye,in over half of patients.

Lanier’s project aims to mitigate these side effects by exploring vaginally administered nanoparticles suspended in a hydrogel. The hypothesis is that this method will more effectively target ovarian cancer tissue compared to systemic delivery, thus reducing adverse reactions in the eye.

Hydrogel Technology: Enhancing Drug Retention and Release

The hydrogel is engineered to improve local retention and controlled release of drug-loaded nanoparticles while minimizing systemic side effects.Lanier’s lab is currently refining the nanoparticle technology and plans to test it on patient-derived xenograft samples and animal membranes throughout the remainder of the year.

did You Know? Nanoparticles are being explored for various drug delivery methods due to their ability to target specific cells and tissues, reducing the impact on healthy cells.

A Vision for Health Equity in Nanomedicine

This research aligns with Lanier’s broader vision for the Nanomedicine Toward Health Equity Lab: to advance women’s healthcare and develop new drug delivery options for diseases associated with health disparities. She aims to understand how differences like chromosomes, hormones, and reproductive organs influence drug delivery effectiveness.

As a notable example, vascularization changes in ovaries and breast tissue throughout the menstrual cycle may present ideal times for targeted treatments for endometriosis and various cancers. Understanding these fluctuations, as well as those during perimenopause, menopause, and after hysterectomy, can revolutionize treatment options.

Preliminary findings from Lanier’s postdoctoral research at the University of Texas at Austin suggest that sex-based differences may affect how cells uptake nanoparticles,informing future targeted delivery studies.This insight highlights the importance of advancing research into sex-based differences to develop effective drug dosing for all individuals.

Grant Funding and Mentorship

lanier’s pilot proposal grant will cover the costs of nanoparticle and hydrogel characterization and sample experimentation. The institutional research grant awarded to Unm aims to boost cancer-related research projects at the university through pilot awards to junior faculty members.

Michelle Ozbun, Maralyn S. Budke endowed Professor of Viral Oncology, serves as the primary investigator and program director for the institutional research grant. Lanier will receive mentorship from Sarah Adams, professor in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, and Mara Steinkamp, assistant professor in the Department of Pathology, both at the Unm cancer Center.

Progress in Ovarian Cancer Treatment

This innovative study is timely,considering how ovarian cancer affects many women. In 2024, The American Cancer Society estimates that about 19,710 women will receive a new diagnosis of ovarian cancer. The ovarian cancer death rate is slowly decreasing. This is probably the result of treatment advances.

Pro Tip: Always consult with healthcare professionals for personalized medical advice and treatment options.

What impact do you think targeted drug delivery systems will have on cancer treatment in the next decade? How can we encourage more women to participate in biomedical research to ensure equitable healthcare outcomes?

Share this article and let us know your thoughts in the comments. How do you see these advancements impacting women’s health?

Disclaimer: This article provides information about ongoing research and should not be considered medical advice. Consult with a healthcare professional for any health concerns.