Cancer Nanomedicine: Addition of a unique combination of radiosensitizers to exploit the full potential of current radiotherapy

Currently, we are using the optimum RT dose and cannot increase any further due to the toxicity associated with surrounding normal tissue. Therefore, our approach is to introduce radiosensitizing agents to tumor cells to enhance the RT dose. Recent clinical trials show better survival in prostate cancer patients with a combined treatment of radiotherapy (RT) and docetaxel. Addition of gold nanoparticles (GNPs) to this current DTX/RT protocol is expected to improve therapeutic benefits remarkably. Therefore, this proposed project is designed to find nanotechnology based solutions to overcome barriers in cancer radiotherapy (RT). We will optimize this approach in two- and three-dimensional tissue models before testing them in animal models. Overall, the outcome of this proposed project will highlight the benefits of using DTX combined with GNPs and lay the groundwork for the translation of the triple combination of RT, GNPs, and DTX to the clinic.

Faculty Supervisor:

Devika Chithrani

Student:

Partner:

Integrated Nanotherapeutics Inc

Discipline:

Life Sciences

Sector:

Professional, scientific and technical services

University:

University of Victoria

Program: