Improving outcomes in glioblastoma treatment: Implantable therapeutic polymer composites for targeted drug delivery
Dr. Nickolas Vukotic
University of Windsor
FUNDER: Windsor Cancer Centre Foundation (WCCF)
DURATION: 2023-2024
Brain cancer is very challenging to treat due to the impermeability of the blood-brain barrier (BBB) and the sensitivity of the organ, with glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) being one of the deadliest treatment-resistant cancers. Among the novel techniques explored to overcome these challenges and suppress GBM, the implantation of biodegradable polymeric drug delivery systems (DDS) is particularly promising. After surgical resection of the primary tumour, these drug-embedded polymer materials can be implanted and consistently release chemotherapy agents at the surgical site to prevent cancer recurrence. By developing a new and unique drug release implant that exhibits controlled and targeted drug release of chemotherapy agents, the current challenges associated with DDS could be solved.
The strategy to access composites which can selectively prevent GBM resurgence post-surgey opens the door for discoveries with high impact among the biomedical and biomaterials communities. Ultimately, the development of this new approach will create original tools for cancer treatments directly at the tumour site and will also establish a robust strategy for the treatment of brain cancer. The treatment of brain tumours with this novel technology will significantly impact patients' lives and will give medical oncologists new ways to develop personalized healthcare for patients, reducing side-effects and greatly enhancing current techniques.
