2D Material-Based Multiple Oncotherapy Against Metastatic Disease Using a Radically New Computed Tomography Approach

Introduction

PERSEUS intends to implement a novel nanotechnology-based cancer therapy for deep-seated clinically unmanageable, drug-resistant, and metastatic tumours. Practical use of nanotechnology in clinical cancer care is still in its infancy, with a full potential yet to be realized.

Technology Overview

The therapy is based on a novel nano-system (NS) made of multifunctional 2D layered nanocrystals. The NS enables, under activation by computed tomography (CT), an effective multimodal therapy with minimal or no adverse effects.

Mechanism of Action

This novel paradigm uses CT not to eradicate cancer, but to trigger and to image the NS that locally activates non-mutagenic oncotherapies. The therapies delivered are excited by the conversion of low energy X-rays (i.e., CT) into:

• Heat
• Reactive oxygen species
• Radiosensitizing agents

X-ray irradiation can also induce immunogenic cell death with the exposure or release of neo-antigens to trigger an anti-cancer immune response.

Advantages of the Approach

The use of X-rays makes it possible to reach deep-seated tumours that are inaccessible by visible or near-infrared light-based therapies. In other words, CT is the spark that lights the match. This is a radical vision for an ambitious and high-risk project.

Target Cancer Types

The current proposal targets a range of cancer types including:

1. Metastatic triple negative breast cancer
2. Hepatocellular carcinoma
3. Colorectal cancer
4. Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma

Safety and Biocompatibility

The NS is biocompatible and also totally inactive in the absence of CT radiation, i.e., the NS becomes active only where the CT beam is delivered, minimizing side effects at distal sites.

Paradigm Shift

The therapy is agnostic to the type of cancer and to gender incidence because it doesn't affect the body biochemistry. This represents a second change of paradigm.

Collaborative Effort

PERSEUS vision is pursued by a multidisciplinary team composed of physicists, chemists, chemical engineers, biologists, physicians, pharmacologists, and radiologists working together to develop an innovative nanotechnological approach to address unmet clinical needs.