October 3, 2023 – A research team, comprising scientists from the Regional Centre for Biotechnology in Faridabad and Amity University in Haryana, has made significant strides in the realm of cancer treatment. Their groundbreaking work involves training immune cells to target and attack tumor cells through a hydrogel-based drug delivery system. This innovative approach not only reduces toxicity but also allows for precise targeting of tumors. While further research and clinical trials are required, this development holds great promise for improving the effectiveness of cancer treatment.
Traditionally, cancer treatment strategies have focused on either directly killing tumor cells or stimulating the body’s immune response to eliminate them. Animesh Kar, Dolly Jain, Avinash Bajaj, and Ujjaini Dasgupta, who are part of the team behind this breakthrough, have managed to achieve both objectives with their latest innovation.
The core of their innovation lies in a hydrogel delivery system developed in the laboratory of Avinash Bajaj at the Regional Centre for Biotechnology in Faridabad. This hydrogel, named “DTX-CPT-Gel therapy,” contains two anticancer drugs, docetaxel (DTX) and carboplatin (CPT).
What sets this drug delivery system apart is its claim to significantly reduce the widespread toxicity commonly associated with many chemotherapy treatments. The authors propose administering DTX-CPT-Gel therapy in close proximity to the tumor, as opposed to the conventional intravenous injection, which circulates drugs throughout the entire body. This localized approach aims to minimize unintended effects on distant tissues. According to Dolly Jain, this method is minimally invasive and can be administered directly near the tumor site through direct injection or localized application.
One of the key features of this drug delivery system is its continuous and sustained release of drugs. As Ujjaini Dasgupta explains, “DTX-CPT-Gel may be beneficial for cancers that are less responsive to immunotherapy or when a combination therapy approach is needed.” The combination of DTX and CPT, both known for their cytotoxic effects, exhibited potent cytotoxic capabilities, particularly in a ratio of 2:1 (DTX:CPT).
The uniqueness of this approach lies in the release of certain biomolecules known as damage-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs) when tumor cells undergo cell death. These DAMPs activate dendritic cells, which are typically present in most tissues but don’t recognize cancer cells as foreign invaders. However, the DAMP molecules serve as signals that dendritic cells can detect, preparing them to attack cancer cells. Activated dendritic cells also contribute to the immune system’s memory, enhancing its ability to recognize and attack future cancer cells.
This approach creates a reinforcing loop of two types of cell death: antitumor drug-mediated cell death leading to the secretion of DAMPs, which, in turn, activates immune T cells to target and kill nearby tumor cells. Importantly, this process primes CD8+ T cells efficiently, helping eliminate tumors that may arise in distant organs. The immune response is highly specific to the type of tumor cells, ensuring that T cells only target the cancer cells of the same type.
The authors’ approach results in a precise immune response that distinguishes cancer cells from normal ones and identifies the specific type of cancer cells. However, the specific proteins and neoantigens (tumor-specific antigens) responsible for this identification have not yet been pinpointed by the research team.
While the potential decrease in tumor volume is a promising outcome, further research and clinical trials are necessary to fully understand the synergistic effects of this hydrogel-based drug delivery system with existing cancer therapies. As the team continues to explore and refine their approach, the hope is that it could lead to a more effective and targeted cancer treatment option in the future.
