NYUAD researchers develop targeted treatment for triple-negative breast cancer

UAE— Researchers at New York University Abu Dhabi (NYUAD), led by Program Director and Professor of Chemistry Ali Trabolsi, have made a breakthrough in the treatment of triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC), the most aggressive form of breast cancer.

Their team has developed nanoparticles in the form of covalent organic frameworks (nCOFs)—crystalline organic materials that have been modified with peptides to target and treat TNBC effectively.

The peptides, critical components in this innovative treatment method, allow the nCOFs to identify and bind exclusively to TNBC cells.

Once bound, they release their drug payload in response to the acidic environment typical of tumour sites.

 This precise drug delivery mechanism ensures that high concentrations of the chemotherapeutic drug are released directly at the tumour site, maximizing the treatment’s effectiveness while minimizing potential damage to healthy tissues.

This novel delivery strategy not only holds promise for improving treatment outcomes but also offers hope for reducing side effects associated with traditional chemotherapy.

TNBC is known for its aggressive growth and rapid spread, which often leads to a poor prognosis.

With fewer treatment options available compared to other types of breast cancer, finding an effective solution for TNBC has been a major focus of cancer research.

While peptides have previously been utilized in targeted drug delivery, their conjugation with nCOFs represents an exciting new direction in the field.

In their paper titled “cRGD-Peptide Modified Covalent Organic Frameworks for Precision Chemotherapy in Triple-Negative Breast Cancer,” published in the journal ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces, the researchers outline the design of alkyne-functionalized nCOFs.

These have been chemically modified with cyclic RGD peptides (Alkyn-nCOF-cRGD), a configuration specifically designed to target αvβ3 integrins, proteins that are overexpressed in TNBC cells.

 This peptide-nCOF combination enhances the biocompatibility of the nanoparticles and ensures that they selectively degrade in the acidic tumour environment.

As a result, the chemotherapy drug Doxorubicin, which is encapsulated within the nCOFs, is released precisely where it is needed.

Farah Benyettou, a leading researcher on the project, highlighted the significance of this discovery.

She explained that their approach allows for a more targeted treatment, where chemotherapy is delivered specifically to cancer cells, minimising side effects and potentially improving patient outcomes.

Benyettou likened the peptides to “keys” that open the door to cancer cells, enabling the drug to enter and exert its effects exactly where it is needed.

This research holds particular relevance in the UAE, where breast cancer rates are notably high.

Current drug delivery systems often face challenges, such as non-specific drug distribution, rapid clearance from the body, and harmful side effects on healthy tissue.

 The successful in vitro and in vivo results from the NYUAD team highlight not only the advanced targeting abilities of nCOFs but also set a new benchmark for personalized cancer treatment.

Ali Trabolsi emphasized that this breakthrough represents a smarter, more precise method for treating the most invasive forms of breast cancer.

He noted that the technology allows physicians to deliver personalised treatments with higher precision, offering a significant step forward in cancer therapy.

Farah Benyettou added that this innovative approach addresses critical gaps in current drug delivery research, paving the way for more effective and less harmful cancer treatments and bringing the medical community closer to the goal of personalized medicine.

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