Development of Theranostic Nanoparticles; MRI-responsive, thermosensitive drug carriers activated by MRg FUS for local tumour drug release

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Our proposed research program is concerned with how to mobilize physical science and engineering innovation in nanoparticle drug carrier design from basic science laboratory to medical application. In order to do this, Prof Miller's chemistry team (Imperial) with expertise in nanoparticle technologies, will collaborate closely with Dr Maya Thanou's pharmaceutical sciences team (Kings) in the design, formulation and characterization of MRI-responsive thermosensitive drug carrier nanoparticles (theranostic ABC nanoparticles) that have the capacity to accumulate in cancerous lesions (fibroids or tumours), in real time post administration in vivo (as observed by MRI). Thereafter, we will collaborate with and make use of the expertise of the research teams of Prof Gedroyc and Dr Stebbing (Imperial, Medicine) to demonstrate that these nanoparticles can then be activated by means of magnetic resonance guided focused ultrasound (MRgFUS) to release drug locally at sites of nanoparticle accumulation within the relevant lesion. This combined process should be able to deliver a powerful anti-cancer effect that also improves radically on local drug bioavailability (specific only to tumours) and drug efficacy while minimizing systemic drug toxicity. Nanoparticle modelling and fluid dynamics studies will then be performed by the team of Prof Xu (Imperial, Chemical Engineering) in order to improve our understanding of the delivery barrier and drug release and uptake process. Thereafter we shall seek to take this understanding to optimize MRgFUS-activated theranostic nanoparticle mediated drug delivery of actives in vivo provided by our healthcare partner Antisoma. We anticipate that Antisoma and our other healthcare partners [the Focused Ultrasound Surgery (FUS) Foundation and MacMillan Nurses] will assist us with the commercialization process thereafter including providing some of their novel anti-cancer compounds for local delivery, to increase efficacy and decrease toxicity.