Scientists from Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University have created nanoparticles based on gelatin and chitosan that can protect anti-cancer drugs from degradation in the digestive tract.
The press service of Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University reported that these newly developed nanoparticles can be used effectively in tablet form to treat melanoma (skin cancer), whether used against the primary tumor or metastases.
Tumor growth inhibition
Dr. Sergei Shepelovskikh, Senior Researcher at the University’s Laboratory of Biologically Active Materials, stated:
- “Experiments on mice with a melanoma model showed that oral administration of the compound using the new nano-drug inhibited tumor growth by 88-95% compared to the control group.”
- “In a metastatic melanoma model with lung involvement, the nano-drug showed an 82% inhibition of the metastatic process.”
The press service added: Thanks to the use of advanced tracking technologies, the researchers confirmed that the nanoparticles do not break down in the stomach, but rather reach the intestines and settle there, which ensures that the drug is delivered to the target with high accuracy. In addition, examination of the internal organs or blood tests of the animals did not show any serious side effects, which confirms the safety of this new drug.
Shepelovskikh also explained that this strategy opens up promising prospects for the development of effective and safe oral drugs for targeted cancer therapy.
Skin cancer
The researchers pointed out that skin cancer is considered one of the most aggressive types of cancer due to its ability to form widespread metastases, which is the main cause of death for those affected.
Typically, traditional chemotherapy protocols use toxic drugs that destroy cancer cells, but at the same time affect healthy cells, leading to serious side effects. While the new nano-method represents a targeted therapy that destroys only cancer cells, making it safer and more effective.
