Innovative Drug Delivery System Developed by Pusan National University Researchers to Combat Colorectal Cancer Effectively

Pusan National University's Breakthrough in Colorectal Cancer Treatment

Researchers at Pusan National University have made significant strides in the ongoing battle against colorectal cancer (CRC), one of the leading causes of cancer-related death worldwide. Their innovative approach focuses on developing a self-protecting drug delivery system that improves the efficacy of anticancer therapy by ensuring drugs reach the targeted tumor without unnecessary side effects.

Colorectal cancer is notoriously difficult to treat effectively due to several challenges associated with traditional drug delivery methods. Most of the common treatments administered orally struggle with issues such as poor target specificity. Consequently, many anticancer drugs can cause side effects far from the intended site, primarily due to systemic absorption. Moreover, drugs often face premature loss as they travel through the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, limiting their therapeutic impact.

To overcome these obstacles, the team, led by Prof. Jin-Wook Yoo, implemented a cutting-edge strategy that utilizes a pH-sensitive alginate matrix to shield the nanoparticles containing the anticancer agent tandemly with a CD44-targeting nanoconjugate. The significance of this innovation lies in the ability of the alginate matrix to transition from a gel-like to a solution-like state, protecting the drugs from the acidic environment of the stomach and intestinal tract until they reach the colorectal area, where the pH is more conducive for targeted release.

According to Prof. Yoo, the primary goal of this research was to synthesize a nanoconjugate incorporating irinotecan, a chemotherapy drug used for CRC treatment. The developed complex, known as CTNCs-in-alginate (Alg/CTNCs), is designed to bypass systemic circulation. By encapsulating drugs inside the alginate, they are transformed into a more stable form that reduces the likelihood of early release. This approach not only enhances drug localization but also significantly improves the overall efficiency of CRC therapy.

Once the formulation encounters the alkaline pH of the colorectum, the alginate matrix converts back to its solution form, exposing the nanoconjugates. Subsequently, the liberated CTNCs interact with specific receptors on the cancer cells, facilitating their internalization. The internal environment of these tumor cells is then responsible for cleaving the irinotecan from the nanoconjugates, allowing the active drug to execute its anticancer effects locally, significantly minimizing systemic exposure.

The results of these trials have shown great promise, as the selective introduction of irinotecan to CRC cells allows for maximized therapeutic effects while minimizing adverse reactions often seen with conventional treatments. This methodology could drastically transform how CRC is treated, proposing an alternative that emphasizes precision and reduced side effects.

Prof. Yoo emphasized the versatility of the findings, suggesting that the reversible shielding and deshielding strategies employed in their research could be applied to a variety of therapeutics. Future applications may extend beyond CRC treatment to include other colorectal-specific ailments such as ulcerative colitis.

This groundbreaking research has been published online and will appear in volume 505 of the Chemical Engineering Journal on February 1, 2025. The implications for CRC treatment could be monumental, heralding a new era in tailored cancer therapies that prioritize patient comfort and treatment precision.

This innovative project not only showcases the potential of harnessing nanotechnology in medicine but also highlights the critical contributions of educational institutions like Pusan National University in addressing global health challenges.

For more information about Pusan National University’s ongoing research initiatives, visit their official website.