Understanding Cancer Spread Through Tiny Particles
Cancer is transported through the body using tiny, almost undetectable bubbles. Gaining insight into these microscopic carriers could significantly impact how we combat metastasis.
Our team at the École de technologie supérieure (ÉTS) focuses on preventing cancer from spreading within the body.
Working alongside Prof. Julia Burnier and biology experts at the Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, we’re delving into how cancers morph into metastases, specifically how they infiltrate other organs.
For around eight years, my team has been exploring lipid nanoparticles, which are about 100 nanometers in size and not visible to the eye. Our initial goal is to trace the path of metastasis and then look for effective ways to deliver drugs into the body.
Lipid nanoparticles, like liposomes, set themselves apart from traditional cancer treatments as they deliver medication directly to tumor cells. This not only enhances their effectiveness but also diminishes toxicity compared to standard chemotherapy.
Research shows that liposomes can target tumors more efficiently and lessen side effects. Observations indicate that these nanomedicines enhance penetration and specificity of treatment, especially concerning metastases. These findings reinforce the belief that nanomedicines can create more focused and effective cancer therapies, improving overall tolerability.
The Role of Tiny Particles in Cancer Spread
Every cell in our body, including healthy and cancerous ones, emits extracellular vesicles—tiny bubbles made of lipids and proteins that also carry genetic material.
When a cancer cell releases these vesicles into the blood, they can be transferred to healthy cells, potentially altering their DNA and transforming them into cancer cells. This process underlies how cancer spreads to other organs, such as the liver.
However, extracting and analyzing these natural vesicles can be quite labor-intensive. To expedite our research, we create artificial versions called liposomes using small devices known as micromixers.
By mixing lipids, proteins, water, and ethanol, we produce particles that closely resemble natural vesicles. The next step involves identifying which specific lipids and proteins are in natural extracellular vesicles to replicate them.
We inject these liposomes into liver cancer cells to observe the cells’ reactions. The more the cells absorb these particles, the more they indicate that our copies effectively simulate the real thing.
In a typical experiment, we manufacture liposomes using detailed parameters to mirror the size and charge of natural extracellular vesicles, making them visible through fluorescence staining.
Once these liposomes are incubated with cancer cells in our lab, we can film and measure how quickly and effectively they are absorbed without disturbing the cell environment.
So far, results reveal that the closer the liposomes are in size and charge to natural vesicles, the better they are absorbed. This helps us understand how their chemical and physical makeup can influence cellular absorption and their potential role in tumor progression.
Examining Liposome Behavior
Our primary aim is to figure out how these extracellular vesicles reach liver cells and contribute to metastasis. A significant hurdle is ensuring these liposomes genuinely mimic their natural counterparts.
Currently, we’re achieving a 50 percent efficiency rate for protein encapsulation but aspire to improve that to 90 percent. Doing so may help us illustrate how metastases develop, ultimately aiming to prevent them. Once we refine our methods, we plan to test them on rats.
This research could be transformative for numerous patients by stopping cancer metastasis from occurring and improving survival odds. Our mission is to comprehend and thwart metastasis.
Progressing Towards New Treatments
Our focus isn’t solely on understanding the process; we also aim to develop new strategies against cancer. We envision using these liposomes as tiny transporters for delivering medication directly to cancer cells.
The diameter of the liposomes varies based on the organ involved, making it crucial to accurately define and understand these liposome properties.
For instance, current research looks into encapsulating turmeric—known for its anti-cancer properties—and my team is also examining how cancer cells respond to these liposomes.
There’s a notion that turmeric, specifically its active component curcumin, helps combat cancer by slowing tumor growth and helping the body destroy them.
Numerous studies have highlighted its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects, potentially enhancing the efficacy of cancer treatments. By encapsulating turmeric in liposomes, we improve its ability to target affected cells.
Decoding How Cancer Spreads
Apart from this compound, other drugs like paclitaxel are already utilized in cancer treatments in a liposomal delivery method, which enhances both tolerance and delivery.
Innovative methods are also being explored to utilize liposomes for carrying small DNA fragments or antibodies, acting as signals to enhance the body’s ability to detect and combat diseased cells.
These techniques have been validated in several studies and are integrated into certain cancer treatment protocols, constantly evolving to enhance efficiency and safety.
By employing liposomes to replicate the body’s natural vesicles emitted from cancer cells, our team aspires to uncover the secrets of cancer spread and develop effective methods to curb it. Our research opens doors to more targeted treatments, aiming to prevent metastasis and bolster patient survival rates.
