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A Comprehensive Procedure to Evaluate the In Vivo Performance of Cancer Nanomedicines
Published on: March 4, 2017
Recommendations for Benchmarking Preclinical Studies of Nanomedicines
Charlene M Dawidczyk1, Luisa M Russell1, Peter C Searson2
1Institute for Nanobiotechnology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland. Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland.
Abstract:
Nanoparticle-based delivery systems provide new opportunities to overcome the limitations associated with traditional small-molecule drug therapy for cancer and to achieve both therapeutic and diagnostic functions in the same platform. Preclinical trials are generally designed to assess therapeutic potential and not to optimize the design of the delivery platform. Consequently, progress in developing design rules for cancer nanomedicines has been slow, hindering progress in the field. Despite the large number of preclinical trials, several factors restrict comparison and benchmarking of different platforms, including variability in experimental design, reporting of results, and the lack of quantitative data. To solve this problem, we review the variables involved in the design of preclinical trials and propose a protocol for benchmarking that we recommend be included in in vivo preclinical studies of drug-delivery platforms for cancer therapy. This strategy will contribute to building the scientific knowledge base that enables development of design rules and accelerates the translation of new technologies.
Insights
Developing design rules for cancer nanomedicines is slow due to inconsistent preclinical trials. A proposed benchmarking protocol can standardize studies and accelerate nanomedicine development.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Nanotechnology
- Oncology
Background:
- Nanoparticle-based delivery systems offer combined therapeutic and diagnostic functions for cancer, surpassing traditional small-molecule drugs.
- Current preclinical trials focus on therapeutic potential, neglecting optimization of nanomedicine delivery platforms.
- Lack of standardized experimental designs, reporting, and quantitative data hinders comparison and benchmarking of different nanomedicine platforms.
Purpose of the Study:
- To address the slow progress in developing design rules for cancer nanomedicines.
- To propose a standardized protocol for benchmarking drug-delivery platforms in preclinical cancer studies.
- To facilitate the translation of nanomedicine technologies by building a robust scientific knowledge base.
Main Methods:
- Review of variables influencing the design of preclinical trials for cancer nanomedicines.
- Development of a benchmarking protocol for in vivo preclinical studies.
- Recommendation for the inclusion of this protocol in future research.
Main Results:
- Identified key variables and limitations in current preclinical trial designs for nanomedicines.
- Proposed a comprehensive protocol to standardize experimental design and data reporting.
- Highlighted the need for quantitative data to enable effective comparison and benchmarking.
Conclusions:
- Standardized preclinical trial protocols are crucial for advancing cancer nanomedicine development.
- Implementing a benchmarking strategy will accelerate the creation of design rules for nanomedicine delivery platforms.
- This approach will facilitate the translation of novel nanotechnologies from bench to bedside.
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