A groundbreaking cancer therapeutic developed by a multi-institutional research team has shown remarkable effectiveness in eradicating gastric cancer in mice. This innovative approach combines antibody fragments with molecularly engineered nanoparticles, referred to as Cornell prime dots (C’ dots), creating a "hit and run" drug delivery system. Published in Advanced Therapeutics, the research involved a collaboration among Cornell University, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSKCC), and AstraZeneca, spanning over five years.
C’ dots, which are just 6 nanometers in size, can penetrate tumors and allow safe passage through organs. The study demonstrated that these nanoparticles, when injected into mice, not only completely eradicated tumors but also prevented recurrence over nearly 200 days. The therapeutic is designed to target HER2 proteins linked to gastric cancer while minimizing side effects.
The research showcases the versatility of C’ dots in adapting to various cancer types. Co-lead authors Bradbury and Wiesner emphasized the work’s potential as a complementary tool to existing antibody treatments, with intentions to further develop this technology through their startup, Elucida Oncology. The findings open new avenues for innovative cancer therapies that prioritize efficacy and safety.
