Researchers at The Ohio State University may have just opened a new frontier in the war against cancer. They've engineered RNA micelles, a novel approach to deliver chemotherapy drugs right to the tumor's doorstep. These tiny particles carry a one-two punch — a potent chemo agent paired with a molecule that hinders cancer survival. By attaching a tumor-targeting molecule that latches onto cancer cells, these RNA micelles are designed to reduce toxicity and immune response, offering a new hope for patients with metastatic colorectal cancer. The Ohio State News reported on a recent study showcasing this groundbreaking technology.
Animal testing revealed compelling results. In a published study on January 20 in Advanced Functional Materials, treated mice nearly eradicated metastatic colorectal tumors within their lungs in just 26 days. Considering the grim five-year survival rate of just 16.2% for patients with similar conditions, the implications of these findings could be significant. Describing the importance of this research, Peixuan Guo, Sylvan G. Frank Endowed Chair professor at Ohio State, stated that "there is no cure" for treating metastatic colorectal cancer in the lungs, thus "Developing RNA therapeutic technology is key." The mice used in the study presented with tumors that paralleled human lung metastases from colorectal cancer, a disease particularly notorious for its poor prognosis.
Guo's lab also featured prominently in a Nature Protocols publication on February 3, where detailed instructions on constructing these RNA nanoparticles were provided. This establishes a blueprint for delivering targeted therapeutics that might synergize for better treatment outcomes. The RNA micelles developed consist of RNA molecules that bind together like Lego, flexibly moving within the body, which promotes spontaneous tumor targeting and acceleration of renal excretion.
In this two-front offensive against cancer, coupling the cancer-killing prowess of gemcitabine with small interfering RNA that silences survivin genes shows significant promise. Daniel Binzel, a research assistant professor at Ohio State, painted the stark imagery of cancer’s demise, saying: "The chemotherapy is killing the cells and the small interfering RNA is blocking survival gene expression." Essentially, the micelles are a miniature delivery system that can recognize cancer cells, bind to them, and then introduce the therapeutic agents, as described by Guo in a recent Ohio State News release.
The victories of the RNA micelles were first validated in cell culture experiments before moving to the mice model. In mice, the combined therapy of gemcitabine and survivin siRNA resulted in a nearly complete eradication of cancer, a significant improvement over control mice that received separate treatments. The ligand, functioning as a homing device, significantly bolstered the tumor reduction.
Guo's vision for RNA as a therapeutic agent has gained wider acceptance in the medical industry, with several RNA therapeutics companies emerging and recent FDA approvals marking the success of his long-held belief. This most recent investigation was fueled by support from the National Institutes of Health, the National Cancer Institute, and an Ohio State President’s Research Excellence Catalyst Award. With this line of research, the RNA nanobiotics company, based out of Cambridge, Massachusetts, and holding licenses to Guo's patents, could be paving the road towards a new era of cancer treatment.
