Researchers in the Department of Radiological Sciences at UCLA have conceived a new methodology to overcome obstacles arising after the treatment of tumors by accessing their vascular supply by 1) targeting tumor vessels 2) delivering antineoplastic agents (e.g., chemotherapy or immunotherapy) and 3) delivering anti-angiogenic therapy to reduce blood vessel growth in a temporally controlled fashion.
BACKGROUND: Developments in interventional radiology have stimulated new image-guided strategies to target diseases during the last few decades. Imaging can guide the successful targeting of tumor vasculature, enabling the delivery of therapeutic agents and blockage of tumor blood supply. However this strategy has been compromised by the development of new blood vessels by the tumor cells. Therefore, a new strategy to address this problem is needed.
INNOVATION: In 2020, Antoinette Gomes, Nureddin Ashammakhi and Phillip Monteleone of the Department of Radiological Sciences at UCLA conceived a new methodology to overcome the problem of tumor regrowth by developing a temporally controlled multi-drug releasing system. This novel biodegradable implant system provides 1) blocking of tumor blood supply, 2) delivery of a chemotherapy and/or immunotherapy payload to the tumor, and 3) release of anti-angiogenic factor to prevent the formation of new blood vessels by the tumor. The novel implant can be delivered through transarterial catheter delivery or direct injection into the tumor. In addition to malignant tumors, benign tumors, other conditions may benefit from this system, including infection, chronic pain disorders, developmental vascular malformations, hormonal deficiencies, inflammatory processes, and different challenging situations that require targeting of multiple aspects of metabolism from the blood supply.
APPLICATIONS:
- Tumor treatment
- Temporally controlled multidrug releasing system
- Biodegradable device
ADVANTAGES:
- Targets multiple pathologic conditions, including cancer and other vascular lesions.
- Can treat humans and treat other mammals within veterinary medicine.
- Overcomes obstacles seen after transcatheter chemotherapy and occlusion of tumor vessels.
STATE OF DEVELOPMENT: Current development is being conducted in preclinical models.