Researchers Advance Nanoparticle-Based Cancer Theranostics Linking Diagnosis and Treatment
Researchers at the MIPT Institute for Future Biophysics, together with collaborators, have developed an experimental nanoparticle–based drug designed to both detect and treat cancer. This approach fuses light-activated therapy with precisely targeted chemotherapy to disable malignant cells while sparing healthy tissue. Officials from the Ministry of National Education and Science project that in the years ahead, these innovations could inform the creation of a cancer treatment drug grounded in this technology.
The therapy relies on engineered nanoparticles that selectively bind to receptors expressed by cancer cells and transport therapeutic agents directly to the tumor site. In animal studies, the enhanced effectiveness of the treatment exceeded 90 percent, underscoring the potential impact of concentrating therapy where it is most needed. These results highlight the promise of a delivery platform that can navigate the tumor microenvironment with accuracy and reduce systemic exposure.
Traditional chemotherapy is well known for causing side effects when healthy tissues are affected alongside cancer cells. To counter this, researchers are pursuing methods that focus treatment on malignant cells, thereby improving the therapeutic index. Nanostructures are highlighted as especially promising tools in this precision medicine effort, offering routes to combine diagnostics with therapy in a single platform.
In this approach, the drug is built from biocompatible copolymers derived from lactic and glycolic acids (PLGA). The therapeutic mechanism integrates both chemical and photodynamic modalities to attack tumors from multiple angles, a strategy that may help overcome resistance and improve outcomes in preclinical models. Victoria Shipunova, who leads the biochemical carcinogenesis research laboratory at MIPT, noted that this combination produced high therapeutic efficacy in tumor models using laboratory rodents. The researchers view this platform as a strong candidate for progression toward medicinal products and eventual clinical development.
The broader scientific community also recognizes ongoing efforts to explore new strategies against blood cancers. In particular, findings related to gene expression suppression offer hope for diseases such as leukemia, potentially opening new avenues for treatment options beyond conventional approaches. This work reflects a broader push to align nanomedicine, gene regulation studies, and data-driven analytics in pursuit of more effective cancer care and personalized treatment plans.
Separately, scientists have reported progress in artificial intelligence models capable of predicting cancer survival, illustrating how computational tools can complement laboratory research in designing smarter therapies and refining prognostic assessments. These interdisciplinary efforts reflect a growing trend toward integrating nanomedicine, gene regulation studies, and AI analytics to enhance cancer care and decision-making for patients in Canada, the United States, and beyond.