A new superweapon in the fight against cancer | Paula Hammond

Summary

This script discusses the innovative approach of using molecular engineering to combat aggressive forms of cancer. It introduces siRNA, a molecule that can silence cancer cell survival genes, and describes the development of a nanoparticle that delivers siRNA and chemotherapy drugs directly to cancer cells. The nanoparticle's design allows it to evade the body's immune system, reach the tumor, and effectively target and destroy cancer cells. The strategy has shown promise in animal models, offering a personalized and potent method to combat drug-resistant cancers like triple-negative breast cancer and ovarian cancer.

Takeaways

• 🔬 **Cancer's Complexity**: Cancer is a complex disease with some forms being highly invasive, drug-resistant, and recurring despite treatment.
• 🛡️ **Supervillain Analogy**: Aggressive cancers are likened to supervillains with 'superpowers' derived from genetic mutations, making them adept at evading treatments.
• 🧬 **Gene Mutations**: Genetic mutations within tumor cells can enable cancer to survive by employing various tricks, such as expelling drugs before they can act.
• 💊 **siRNA's Role**: siRNA molecules can target and block specific genes within cells, offering a potential method to combat cancer's genetic defenses.
• 🚫 **siRNA's Challenge**: siRNA is effective inside cells but vulnerable to degradation by enzymes in the bloodstream, necessitating protective measures for in vivo use.
• 🛡️ **Nanoparticle Design**: A nanoparticle with a chemotherapy drug core and an siRNA shell is proposed to protect the siRNA and deliver it to cancer cells.
• 🔄 **Charge Shielding**: A positively charged polymer layer shields the negatively charged siRNA, preventing degradation and ensuring the nanoparticle's stability in the bloodstream.
• 🎯 **Targeting Tumor Cells**: An additional layer of naturally occurring, negatively charged polysaccharides disguises the nanoparticle, allowing it to evade the immune system and target tumor cells.
• 🐁 **Animal Testing**: The strategy's effectiveness was demonstrated in animal models with triple-negative breast cancer, showing tumor regression with the nanoparticle treatment.
• 🌟 **Personalization Potential**: The treatment approach can be personalized by varying the siRNA and drug core components to target different genetic mutations and tumor types.

Q & A

What is the main challenge in treating aggressive forms of cancer?

Aggressive forms of cancer are challenging to treat because they can be highly invasive, drug-resistant, and defy medical treatments, including chemotherapy.

How do some cancer cells survive chemotherapy treatments?

Some cancer cells survive chemotherapy treatments due to genetic mutations that allow them to develop new modes of survival, such as pumping out the drugs before they can take effect.

What is the role of siRNA in cancer treatment as described in the script?

siRNA (small interfering RNA) is used to block specific genes within cancer cells, effectively turning off their 'survival genes' and making them more susceptible to chemotherapy.

Why is siRNA not effective on its own when introduced into the body?

siRNA degrades within seconds when exposed to enzymes in the bloodstream or tissues, so it needs to be protected during its journey to the cancer cells.

How is the nanoparticle designed to protect the siRNA and deliver it to cancer cells?

The nanoparticle is designed with a core containing the chemotherapy drug, surrounded by a thin layer of siRNA, which is then protected by a positively charged polymer layer. An outer layer of negatively charged, highly hydrated polysaccharides provides an invisibility cloaking effect and targeting molecules for the tumor cells.

What is the strategy for deploying the nanoparticle in cancer treatment?

The strategy involves dosing the cancer cells with siRNA to silence survival genes, followed by the release of the chemotherapy drug from the nanoparticle core to destroy the tumor cell.

How does the outer layer of the nanoparticle help in targeting cancer cells?

The outer layer of the nanoparticle contains molecules that bind specifically to tumor cells, allowing the nanoparticle to be taken up by the cancer cell once it binds.

What was the result of testing the nanoparticle treatment on animals with triple-negative breast cancer?

In animal tests, the combination of siRNA and chemotherapy within the nanoparticle not only stopped tumor growth but also led to tumor regression in some cases.

How can this treatment approach be personalized for different patients?

The treatment can be personalized by adding different layers of siRNA to address various mutations and tumor defense mechanisms, and by using different drugs in the nanoparticle core.

Why is ovarian cancer considered a 'supervillain' in the context of the script?

Ovarian cancer is considered a 'supervillain' because it is very aggressive, often discovered at late stages, and has a high recurrence rate, especially in drug-resistant forms.

What is the significance of the story shared by the mother and daughter, Mimi and Paige, in the script?

Mimi and Paige's story illustrates the emotional impact of cancer and the importance of hope and support. It also emphasizes the potential of new treatments to change lives and the power of engineering at the molecular level to address health challenges.