Scientists find new way to treat bone cancer

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Innovative research has discovered a potential therapeutic target and established a unique delivery system for osteosarcoma, a bone cancer primarily affecting children and adolescents.

The research focused on the use of microRNA therapy and specifically on the molecule miR-29b, showing promising results in blocking osteosarcoma tumor growth and demonstrating the significant potential of nanoparticles as a therapeutic delivery vehicle.

About the Study

Dr. Fiona Freeman from the UCD School of Mechanical and Materials Engineering led the study.

They developed a formulation of miR-29b nanoparticles, delivered through a hyaluronic-based hydrogel for local and sustained release of the therapy.

This method improved the therapeutic potential of chemotherapy and suppressed tumor growth, while simultaneously aiding in the repair of the surrounding damaged bone even while the patient was undergoing chemotherapy treatment.

Implications

Current treatment for osteosarcoma involves aggressive surgical intervention and chemotherapy, often resulting in limb reconstruction or amputation.

This new therapy could potentially be administered to patients immediately after cancer diagnosis, reducing the spread of the tumor and significantly impacting patient survival.

It could also be applied locally following surgery to eradicate remaining malignant cells and repair the damaged bone during chemotherapy, offering a vital alternative to prevent limb amputation.

This study, conducted in collaboration with researchers at Brigham Women’s Hospital and Massachusetts Institute of Technology, as well as Trinity College Dublin, is a step forward in advancing the technology toward clinical application.

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The study was published in Advanced Materials.

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