Drug-free nanotherapy against breast cancer

Scientists at the Technion-Israel Institute of Technology have engineered novel nanoparticles capable of treating aggressive triple-negative breast cancer in mice without requiring drugs or chemotherapy. This groundbreaking research, published in the journal ACS Nano, offers a potential path toward a chemical-free treatment for one of the most lethal forms of breast cancer.

The study, led by doctoral student Ofri Vizenblit with assistance from Rawan Mhajne under the guidance of Professor Assaf Zinger, demonstrated that the lab-designed nanoparticles could effectively halt tumor growth in female mice. Zinger reported significant success, stating that the nanoparticles achieved results comparable to some advanced immunotherapies currently in use. He expressed hope that this technology could transition to human clinical trials.

Triple-negative breast cancer is particularly aggressive because it lacks three specific cell markers: estrogen, progesterone, and the HER2 protein. This absence means it cannot be treated with conventional hormone therapies. Current treatment options include chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and specific inhibitors that prevent cancer cells from repairing themselves.

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We achieved significant success.

Globally, breast cancer remains a significant health challenge. In 2022, the World Health Organization reported approximately 2.3 million new cases and 670,000 deaths worldwide. In Israel, about 4,500 women are diagnosed annually, with around 900 succumbing to the disease. Although triple-negative breast cancer accounts for about 13% of all breast cancers, it is responsible for a disproportionately high 40% of breast cancer-related deaths.

Zinger explained that cancer cells employ various strategies to evade the patient's immune system. One such tactic involves recruiting white blood cells, known as macrophages, which normally fight infections. The tumor hijacks these macrophages, causing them to nourish the tumor and promote its growth instead of attacking it. The newly developed nanoparticles aim to disrupt this process.

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We managed to design nanoparticles that yielded the same results as some advanced immunotherapies currently in use.