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Innovative Nanoscale Frameworks Developed for Targeted Treatment of Triple-Negative Breast Cancer
Researchers from NYU Abu Dhabi (NYUAD), spearheaded by Chemistry Program Head Ali Trabolsi, have made a significant advancement in the treatment of triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) through the creation of nanoscale covalent organic frameworks (nCOFs). These specially crafted crystalline organic polymers are modified with peptides to enhance their effectiveness against this aggressive form of breast cancer.
The incorporation of peptides enables the nCOFs to release their drug cargo specifically within the tumor’s acidic environment, which ensures concentrated delivery of the treatment directly at the tumor site. This method not only improves the efficacy of the therapy but also reduces collateral damage to surrounding healthy tissues.
This new approach brings fresh hope to the management of TNBC, which is known for its rapid growth and spread, along with a limited array of treatment options and poorer prognoses compared to other breast cancer types.
While peptides have previously been utilized for targeted drug delivery, their combination with nCOFs marks a groundbreaking innovation in this arena. The study titled “cRGD-Peptide Modified Covalent Organic Frameworks for Precision Chemotherapy in Triple-Negative Breast Cancer,” published in the journal ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces, outlines the design of alkyne-functionalized nCOFs chemically modified with cyclic RGD peptides (Alkyn-nCOF-cRGD).
This specific design targets αvβ3 integrins, which are found in elevated amounts in TNBC cells. The engineered nCOFs are not only biocompatible but also designed to disintegrate under acidic conditions, allowing for the controlled release of the chemotherapeutic agent Doxorubicin that has been encapsulated within the frameworks.
Farah Benyettou, a prominent researcher involved in the study, emphasized, “Our innovative approach using peptide-conjugated COFs offers a highly targeted treatment method for triple-negative breast cancer. By focusing on the acidic environment of tumors, we can deliver chemotherapy precisely where it is needed most, reducing side effects and improving patient outcomes. The peptides act like a key to open the door of cancer cells, allowing the drug to enter and exert its effects exactly where it is needed.”
This research holds particular importance in the UAE, where breast cancer incidence rates are notably high. Conventional drug delivery systems often suffer from significant drawbacks, such as non-specific distribution and adverse effects on healthy tissue. The successful results from both in vitro and in vivo testing of this new approach not only showcase the precise targeting capabilities of the nCOFs but also pave the way for more personalized cancer therapy.
Trabolsi remarked, “Our research has created a smarter way to fight the most aggressive and invasive form of breast cancer.” He further noted that this targeted approach not only addresses the deficiencies of existing drug delivery methods but also represents a crucial advancement toward personalized medicine in cancer treatment, which aims to be more effective and less harmful to patients.
More information: Farah Benyettou et al, cRGD-Peptide Modified Covalent Organic Frameworks for Precision Chemotherapy in Triple-Negative Breast Cancer, ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces (2024). DOI: 10.1021/acsami.4c10812
Source
phys.org