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Session: Technical Session I

Long-Acting Drug Delivery Formulations I

Tuesday, July 9, 2024
9:00 AM – 11:00 AM CET
Location: Emilia
Title: ROS-Activated Nanocarriers: A Novel Approach to Targeted Cancer Chemotherapy

Description: Head and neck cancer is a malignancy of the oral cavity and one of the most aggressively-behaving cancers. Despite the efforts, first-line chemotherapy still results in poor prognosis and systemic side-effects, mainly due to non-specific cell targeting. As there is an urgent need for new therapies, we are exploring an innovative therapeutic approach for head and neck cancer that aims to minimize systemic side effects and improve patient’s quality of life. We propose using dextran-based nanocarriers (NCs) that are responsive to the elevated levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) found in the tumor microenvironment. These NCs are designed to release chemotherapeutic agents, such as cisplatin, specifically in response to ROS, ensuring targeted delivery directly to cancer cells.
The functionality of the ROS-responsive NCs, validated through release studies and cytotoxicity assessments using head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) cell lines will be discussed. Moreover, we will look into alterations in ROS and glutathione levels within these HNSCC cells to identify the redox state in and around the tumor. Our findings underscore the biocompatibility and potential efficacy of these NCs, suggesting they could revolutionize cancer treatment by enhancing drug delivery precision and minimizing adverse effects. This approach holds promise for future applications in personalized cancer therapy, offering a more targeted and patient-friendly treatment option.