Our technology
Most cancers remain incurable. Over the last 60 years, even with the development and advances in chemo-, radio-, immuno-, hormone-directed therapy, and small biologics we still have not reached our treatment goals. A more serious problem is the impact these treatments have on the cancers themselves and their side effects. It is now scientifically proven that these therapies select for the development of more aggressive and drug-resistant tumors. A good example is the treatment of HER2-positive breast cancer, which often results in ~25% of patients developing resistance and relapsing from Trastuzumab treatment. Physical-directed therapies, such as heat, cold, or radiation, are immune to mutational alterations and avoid genetic selection pressures.
We have developed a novel nanoparticle platform that is able
to deliver effective focal treatment to the cancer lesion by
harnessing the intrinsic properties of multi-walled carbon
nanotubes (MWCNTs). The advantages of our technology
include:
1. A tumor specific biomarker targeting moiety that directs
MWCNTs to the tumors and is retained at the tumor site for
an extended period of time. The process by which the
nanoparticles localize to the tumor site is no different
than antibody-drug-conjugates.
2. A near-infrared laser is used to direct light to the
tumor with the targeted MWCNTs, thereby, activating the
MWCNT and focally generating high temperatures causing the
complete ablation of the cancerous lesion.
3. An energetic compound will also be placed on the MWCNT,
which is triggered by the laser allowing for even more heat
release. The inclusion of the energetic compound with the
MWCNT allows the use of a less powerful laser and will also
reduce intervening tissue damage.
Our exploitation of the combined properties of MWCNTs and
energetic molecules offers a unique opportunity to entertain
a new class of cancer agents never thought possible, and
bestows incredible benefits to both the patients and
attending physicians.
Functionalizing MWCNTs with energetic materials:
100% destruction of tumors in mice after a single treatment
