Scientists from RMIT University and the Doherty Institute have developed a groundbreaking blood test that could make cancer treatment safer and more effective for patients. Using just a drop of blood, the test assesses the effectiveness of different nanomedicines in killing cancer cells and minimising side effects in people with leukaemia.
Nanomedicines, including therapies such as Doxil and Onpattro, use microscopic particles to deliver drugs directly to diseased cells while sparing healthy ones. Dr Yi (David) Ju, from RMIT University, led the study alongside Professor Stephen Kent from the Doherty Institute and Professor Constantine Tam from The Alfred.
“Our study sheds light on why some cancer patients respond better to nanomedicine therapies than others,” Dr Ju said. “By understanding these differences, we can develop more personalised and effective treatments for leukaemia patients.”
The research, published in ACS Nano, tested three PEG-based nanomedicines on blood samples from 15 leukaemia patients. Results showed that immune system differences, particularly the presence of anti-PEG antibodies, impacted how effectively these therapies targeted cancer cells.
High levels of anti-PEG antibodies reduced the effectiveness of therapies like Doxil, causing them to attack healthy cells instead. However, the team’s own PEG nanoparticles proved to be the most effective formulation against leukaemia.
Professor Tam highlighted the potential for broader applications, including breast and ovarian cancers. “Understanding individual variations in immune response could lead to safer treatments tailored to each patient,” he said.
With industry support, the team hopes to develop their technology further and deliver patient-specific therapies within the next few years.