Researchers at New York University Abu Dhabi (NYUAD) have developed a new nanotechnology designed to target aggressive forms of breast cancer, specifically triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC). This innovative approach aims to improve survival rates and reduce the severe side effects often associated with conventional chemotherapy.
A Breakthrough in Targeted Therapy
TNBC is a particularly aggressive subtype of breast cancer that grows and spreads rapidly. It often presents fewer treatment options and worse prognoses. Conventional chemotherapy, while effective, is a broad treatment that not only attacks cancer cells but also damages healthy cells, causing side effects such as hair loss, nausea, and weakened immunity.
NYUAD researchers have explored the use of nanoparticles—microscopic particles 10,000 times smaller than a human hair—to deliver drugs directly to cancer cells, minimizing collateral damage. These nanoparticles can be loaded with drugs that specifically target cancer cells, reducing the need for high doses that affect the entire body.
Ali Trabolsi, head of the chemistry program at NYUAD and lead researcher, explains that traditional treatments often lead to widespread cell damage. With nanoparticle-based delivery systems, the drug is directed precisely to the tumor, minimizing harm to healthy cells and improving the effectiveness of treatment.
Tailored Therapy for Better Outcomes
The research emphasizes personalized medicine, where each patient’s treatment is tailored to their specific genetic profile. This approach, combined with DNA profiling, helps doctors better understand how patients are likely to respond to certain drugs, thus reducing the severe side effects of chemotherapy.
Farah Benyettou, a research scientist working on the project, notes that nanoparticles help enhance the drug’s circulation in the body and its accumulation in tumors, allowing for more effective treatment with fewer drugs. This method not only reduces side effects but also makes chemotherapy a more viable option for patients with TNBC.
Addressing High Cancer Rates in the UAE
Breast cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the UAE, representing 11.5% of all cancer fatalities. The new nanotechnology developed at NYUAD has the potential to significantly impact breast cancer treatment in the region, offering a more precise and less damaging alternative to traditional methods.
Global Market and Future Prospects
Nanotechnology in healthcare is experiencing rapid growth. In 2023, the global market for drug delivery systems was valued at $102.7 billion, with an annual growth rate of 8.8%. This market is expected to continue expanding, with projections to reach $156.8 billion by 2028.
A Personal Story: The Struggles of Chemotherapy
Celestina Puyo Guinoo, a single woman from the Philippines living in the UAE, shared her experience with chemotherapy for breast cancer. After being diagnosed in 2017, she underwent a mastectomy followed by six rounds of chemotherapy. Despite the grueling treatments and painful side effects, she remains hopeful, having been cancer-free since then.
Her experience highlights the need for more effective and less debilitating cancer treatments. “Chemotherapy is not easy—physically, emotionally, or mentally,” said Guinoo. “But there is hope at the end of the tunnel.”
Health and Lifestyle to Prevent Relapse
In addition to groundbreaking research, lifestyle changes are crucial for reducing the risk of cancer recurrence. According to recent studies from the World Cancer Research Fund, a physically active lifestyle and a diet high in fiber can improve survival rates and reduce the likelihood of relapse for breast cancer survivors. Maintaining a healthy weight during and after treatment is also recommended.
Dr. Sonali Johnson from the Union for International Cancer Control emphasizes that small, practical changes in diet, physical activity, and weight management can have a significant impact on a patient’s health and quality of life.
source : the national news.