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Published on: November 12, 2014
Nanotechnology blooms, at last (Review)
Erlinda M Gordon1, Frederick L Hall
1Department of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Los Angeles, University of Southern California Keck School of Medicine, Los Angeles, CA 910027, USA. emgordon@epeiusbiotech.com
Abstract:
Clinical trials for deadly pancreatic cancer have recently opened on two continents to evaluate the safety and efficacy of engineered nanoparticles guided by a targeted delivery system (TDS) to overcome the daunting barriers of turbulence, dilution, filtration, and inactivation encountered in the human circulatory system to deliver a killing designer gene to metastatic tumors that are refractory to conventional chemotherapy. The first patients receiving multiple intravenous infusions of the TDS-encapsulated genetic bullets have all responded favorably, prompting the FDA to grant orphan drug status for the nanobiotic medicine, Rexin-G, to assist in the development of this new cancer treatment. This review/commentary is an effort to translate the arcane terminology of physiology, biochemistry, and molecular genetics into the more generally accessible language of nanotechnology and medical delivery. While the text is somewhat erudite and laden at times with inconspicuous literary allusions, descriptions of the elegant bioengineering of nano-scale gene delivery vehicles are clear and the numerous references to classical mechanics of the Industrial Age are helpful.
Insights
New nanobiotic medicine, Rexin-G, shows promise for pancreatic cancer. Engineered nanoparticles deliver genes to tumors, with early patients responding favorably to this novel targeted delivery system (TDS).
Area of Science:
- Nanotechnology
- Oncology
- Gene Therapy
Background:
- Pancreatic cancer presents significant treatment challenges due to its aggressive nature and resistance to conventional chemotherapy.
- The human circulatory system poses barriers to effective drug and gene delivery, including turbulence, dilution, filtration, and inactivation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the safety and efficacy of engineered nanoparticles utilizing a targeted delivery system (TDS) for treating metastatic pancreatic cancer.
- To translate complex scientific concepts in physiology, biochemistry, and molecular genetics into accessible language regarding nanotechnology and medical delivery.
Main Methods:
- Clinical trials involving intravenous infusions of TDS-encapsulated genetic material (Rexin-G).
- Development of nano-scale gene delivery vehicles engineered for targeted tumor delivery.
- Overcoming physiological barriers within the circulatory system for effective gene delivery.
Main Results:
- Early clinical trials demonstrated favorable responses in all patients receiving Rexin-G.
- The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) granted orphan drug status to Rexin-G, supporting its development.
- The targeted delivery system effectively delivered therapeutic genes to metastatic tumors.
Conclusions:
- Engineered nanoparticles with a targeted delivery system show potential as a novel treatment for pancreatic cancer.
- Rexin-G represents a promising nanobiotic medicine for refractory metastatic tumors.
- Further development is warranted for this innovative cancer treatment approach.
