Nanotech discovery may improve aggressive breast cancer therapy: Study

Sydney: Researchers from Australia's University of Queensland are developing groundbreaking nanoparticle technology aimed at significantly improving treatments for triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC), one of the most aggressive and difficult-to-treat forms of breast cancer.

Scientists at the Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology (AIBN) are engineering next-generation iron-based nanoparticles, called "nano-adjuvants," capable of enhancing the immune response against TNBC. According to the researchers, these nanoparticles are incredibly small—thousands could fit on a single strand of human hair.

TNBC poses a significant therapeutic challenge because, unlike other breast cancer types, it lacks receptors targeted by conventional treatments. Immunotherapy, while promising for various cancers, has shown limited effectiveness against TNBC, leaving many patients with few viable options. Professor Yu Chengzhong, the project's lead researcher, highlighted this critical gap and the urgent need for new therapies.

"Current immunotherapy approaches haven't been very effective for triple-negative breast cancer," Yu explained, "Our nanoparticles aim to address this issue by significantly enhancing the immune system's ability to fight these aggressive tumours."

These nanoparticles specifically target and activate T-cells, crucial components of the immune system that detect and attack cancer cells. By improving the activity of T-cells within the tumour microenvironment, researchers hope to make tumours more susceptible to immunotherapy, boosting treatment efficacy.

The project has secured significant backing—a grant of 3 million Australian dollars ($1.89 million)—from Australia's National Health and Medical Research Council. The five-year initiative is expected not only to address treatment challenges in TNBC but also to lay the foundation for future clinical applications in other difficult-to-treat cancers, such as ovarian cancer.

With over 20 years of expertise in nanotechnology and nanomedicine, Professor Yu believes that this breakthrough could revolutionise cancer therapy, particularly by making immunotherapy more effective for aggressive solid tumours.

Echoing this optimism, AIBN Director Alan Rowan emphasized the potential impact of this research, noting, "Our goal is to find innovative treatments capable of transforming outcomes for patients with aggressive cancers. This approach offers genuine hope for women facing devastating prognoses."

The researchers hope their innovative nano-adjuvant therapy will ultimately enhance survival rates and improve quality of life for patients battling TNBC.