Descripción del proyecto
Un tratamiento oncológico innovador basado en nanotransportadores
Los actuales métodos convencionales de tratamiento oncológico se asocian a problemas clínicos como la inespecificidad, los efectos secundarios y la tolerancia a los fármacos. Los tratamientos localizados, desarrollados recientemente, a base de fármacos a nanoescala no son invasivos, son controlables y presentan efectos secundarios mínimos. Este tipo de tratamiento administra nanotransportadores a la ubicación exacta del tumor objetivo, y libera los fármacos quimioterapéuticos tras su activación. Las preocupaciones sobre la seguridad de esta tecnología radican en la falta de biodegradación, la posible toxicidad, la escasa biodisponibilidad y las complicaciones de la activación del fármaco. El equipo del proyecto LCT, financiado por las Acciones Marie Skłodowska-Curie, pretende introducir nanotransportadores innovadores que no sean tóxicos, que sean biocompatibles y biodegradables para una aplicación combinada con tratamientos establecidos, como la radioterapia, una técnica precisa y eficaz.
Objetivo
Currently, cancer is the second cause of morbidity and death in Europe, with 1.9m deaths and 3.7m cases annually. Cancer-related deaths are projected to exceed 13m by 2030, with abdominal organs hosting most cancer incidents. Although popular, conventional modalities are nonetheless associated with major clinical challenges such as non-specificity, side effects, and drug tolerance, which impede further developments. In recent years, non-invasive, controllable, minimal side effects, and localized nano-scale drug-based therapies have been developed. This treatment deploys nanocarriers (NCs) to the location of the targeted cancer tumors, and upon activation, they release chemotherapeutic drugs. However, there are concerns over the safety of this strategy due to lack of biodegradation, potential toxicity, poor bioavailability, and limitations associated with the drug activation protocols.
The main goal of the LCT project is to overcome these challenges in an original and innovative manner by developing nanocarriers that are nontoxic, biocompatible, biodegradable, and can be combined with a well-known treatment modality (e.g. a precise and effective radiation treatment). The proposed work will be approached from theoretical, numerical, and experimental perspectives based on the applicant's and host laboratory's expertise. The training program is exhaustive and will allow the applicant to grow as an independent researcher. The proposed research will foster further development in this direction, a step that is fundamental in healthcare and for the benefit of society.
The applicant is a Libyan scholar with expertise in the areas of applied mechanics, industrial & medical radiation, materials science, nano-chemistry, and structural engineering. He has been trained in prestigious industrial and academic institutions in Libya, Canada, and Hong Kong. He is applying for a two-year MSCA fellowship to conduct the LCT at NUI Galway. A 4 months secondment at UCD is planned.
Ámbito científico
Palabras clave
Programa(s)
- HORIZON.1.2 - Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) Main Programme
Régimen de financiación
HORIZON-TMA-MSCA-PF-EF - HORIZON TMA MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowships - European FellowshipsCoordinador
H91 Galway
Irlanda