Novel Drug Delivery System Could Together Combat Cancer and Deadly Blood Clots
Researchers propose a targeted drug delivery system leveraging BH3 mimetics to address both cancerous tumors and the often-fatal blood clots-cancer-associated thrombosis (CAT)-that frequently accompany cancer progression. A critical review of existing BH3 mimetic drugs,compounds designed to induce cancer cell death,reveals a potential dual-action benefit: selectively targeting both tumor cells and activated platelets contributing to CAT.
The challenge in cancer treatment lies in achieving selective eradication of cancerous cells without harming healthy tissues. While BH3 mimetics show promise in inducing apoptosis (programmed cell death) in cancer cells, earlier versions have demonstrated a vulnerability in platelets-leading to thrombocytopenia, a deficiency of platelets-in cancer patients already at high risk of hemostatic complications. Conversely, aggressive cancers frequently enough elevate the risk of thrombosis and thromboembolism. This review posits that strategically designed BH3 mimetics, delivered via a novel platform, could simultaneously disrupt both cancerous growth and dangerous clot formation.
This review details the evolution of BH3 mimetic drugs, emphasizing ongoing efforts to improve safety and efficacy.It highlights the potential of directly delivering these drugs to effectively target both cancer cells and activated platelets specifically at the site of CAT.The proposed system aims to minimize interference with natural hemostasis, focusing drug action solely on tumor cells and the pathological clots associated with cancer, while preserving circulating platelets essential for normal blood clotting.
Key to this approach is a ”conserved conveyance” of drugs, utilizing a drug delivery system-possibly nanoparticle-based-designed for targeted action. The research emphasizes the need for a platform that supports cancer targeting without impacting other tissues and cells. The study identifies BH3 mimetic, RGD, apoptosis, cancer, drug delivery system, nanoparticle, necrosis, platelet, thrombocytopenia, and thrombosis as key areas of focus.