Innovative Nanoparticle Approach Targets Ovarian Cancer Treatment Equity

Engineers at the University of New Mexico (UNM) are embarking on a groundbreaking research project aimed at addressing the gender disparities in medical treatment, particularly concerning ovarian cancer. This initiative is spearheaded by Dr. Olivia Lanier, an assistant professor in the Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, who has received a $30,000 grant from the American Cancer Society Institutional Research Grant sub-award through the UNM Comprehensive Cancer Center. The project, titled "Targeted Vaginal Delivery of FRα-Specific Lipid Nanoparticles Using Thermo and Enzyme-Responsive Hydrogels for Platinum-Resistant Ovarian Cancer," seeks to explore alternative drug delivery methods that may enhance treatment efficacy and minimize side effects.
Ovarian cancer poses significant treatment challenges, particularly when it recurs after chemotherapy. Traditional systemic therapies often lead to debilitating side effects, with newer drugs like Elahere (mirvetuximab soravtansine-gynx) causing ocular complications in over half of treated patients. According to Dr. Lanier, "Studying drug delivery based on sex is critical for advancing health equity because women have historically been excluded from biomedical research." This exclusion has perpetuated a medical landscape that is predominantly designed around the male body, leading to treatment options that may not be as effective for women.
Dr. Lanier's research focuses on utilizing nanoparticles suspended in a hydrogel for targeted vaginal delivery, hypothesizing that this method could directly target ovarian cancer cells more effectively than systemic treatments while reducing adverse ocular reactions. The hydrogel is designed to enhance local retention and release of the drug-loaded nanoparticles, thereby improving therapeutic outcomes.
The project will involve a series of studies, beginning with refining the nanoparticle technology followed by tests on patient-derived xenograft samples and animal membranes. Dr. Sarah Adams, a professor in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at UNM and a mentor in the project, emphasizes the importance of addressing differences in female biology: "Understanding how hormonal fluctuations and reproductive organ characteristics affect drug delivery can lead to more effective therapies for conditions like endometriosis and various cancers."
Dr. Lanier's work also aims to contribute to the broader objectives of the Nanomedicine Toward Health Equity Lab, which seeks to develop innovative drug delivery options while advancing women’s health. The pilot study will examine how various biological factors, including chromosomes, hormone levels, and age, influence drug delivery effectiveness. Preliminary findings from Dr. Lanier's previous research at the University of Texas at Austin suggest that sex-based differences may significantly impact nanoparticle uptake in cells, highlighting the need for tailored medical approaches.
The funding from the American Cancer Society is part of a larger initiative to boost cancer-related research at UNM, particularly by supporting junior faculty members in their quest for competitive national grants. The institutional research grant aims to foster innovative projects that can lead to significant advancements in cancer treatment and health equity.
As Dr. Lanier embarks on this critical research journey, the implications for both ovarian cancer treatment and women's health are profound. By addressing the historical inequities in medical research and focusing on gender-specific treatment strategies, this project not only aims to improve clinical outcomes for women with ovarian cancer but also sets a precedent for future biomedical research initiatives that prioritize health equity.
In the context of an ongoing global emphasis on gender equity in healthcare, the findings from this study could pave the way for more inclusive research practices, ultimately benefitting a wider range of patients in their fight against cancer and other diseases.
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