Jesús Santamaría: Scientist and Novelist Tackling Cancer Through Nanotechnology

ZARAGOZA, Spain — Jesús Santamaría, a prominent chemical engineer and researcher at the Nanoscience and Materials Institute in Zaragoza, is not only dedicated to advancing nanotechnology for cancer treatment but also expresses his creativity through crime novels. With over $5.8 million in funding from the European Research Council for cancer research, Santamaría is on a quest to solve one of medicine's most perplexing challenges: effectively delivering nanoparticles to target cancer cells.

At 66, Santamaría has combined his scientific expertise with a flair for storytelling, penning three crime novels that explore the darker aspects of scientific ambition. His latest project delves into the life of a scientist-turned-serial killer, set against the backdrop of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), where he once studied under renowned professor Robert Langer, a pioneer in smart drug delivery.

"Killing a person is easy on paper, but killing off just a part of their cells, the cancerous ones, is the great challenge of medicine," Santamaría remarked in an interview. This sentiment encapsulates his dual life; while he crafts fictional murders, his real-life ambition centers on developing targeted therapies that can eliminate cancer cells without harming healthy ones.

The journey of nanomedicine commenced with the FDA's approval of Doxil in 1995, a chemotherapy drug encapsulated in liposomes designed to enhance delivery to tumor sites. Despite initial optimism, the field has encountered significant hurdles, including a recent study by German chemist Stefan Wilhelm, published in the journal Advanced Drug Delivery Reviews in 2016, which revealed that only 0.7% of nanoparticles administered to patients actually reach tumors.

According to Dr. Sarah Johnson, Professor of Biomedical Engineering at MIT, "The challenge lies not just in creating effective nanoparticles but in ensuring they can navigate the body's defenses and reach their intended targets. Santamaría's work is at the forefront of addressing this critical issue."

Santamaría's research is fueled by his three substantial grants from the European Research Council, including a recent award of $3.6 million aimed at overcoming the barriers that prevent nanoparticle therapies from reaching tumors. He describes his latest strategy as akin to a 'Trojan horse' approach, where nanoparticles are disguised to evade the immune system’s defenses, allowing them to penetrate tumors more effectively.

"If we can increase the success rate from 1% to 50% in delivering these nanoparticles, it would represent a significant breakthrough in cancer treatment," Santamaría explained. This ambitious goal has garnered interest from pharmaceutical companies, with plans for human clinical trials on the horizon.

In addition to his scientific endeavors, Santamaría's novels, such as 'Akademeia' and 'Inmortal,' challenge the perception of scientists as purely altruistic figures. His narratives illuminate the passionate, often tumultuous lives of researchers. "Scientists are human beings, subject to the same passions as the rest, and capable of the same abuses," he states, reflecting on the complex motivations driving his characters.

The intersection of art and science in Santamaría's life serves as a reminder of the multifaceted nature of researchers. His unique perspective not only enriches his storytelling but also enhances his innovative approach to cancer research. As he continues to write and research, Santamaría embodies the spirit of inquiry that drives scientific advancement while exploring the moral dilemmas faced by those at the forefront of discovery.

As he approaches the completion of his third novel, Santamaría remains steadfast in his mission: to turn the tide against cancer, fulfilling Richard Feynman's visionary dream of precise, targeted medical interventions. Through his dual pursuits, he exemplifies the profound impact that creativity and scientific rigor can have on society's greatest challenges.