Iron Oxide Nanoplatforms as Novel Theranostics for Glioma Stem Cell Targeting and Immune Regulation

Over the past three decades, the survival rates of glioblastoma (GBM) patients have shown little improvement despite advancements in drug development. This is primarily due to the inability of drugs to cross the blood-brain barrier and overcome the impact of the tumour microenvironment (TME), which facilitates tumour growth and shields cancer cells.

This project focuses on designing multifunctional nanoparticles (HP-SPIONs), that can cross the blood-brain barrier and facilitate MRI-guided immunotherapy. We have already established the proof-of-concept by developing other nanoparticles and demonstrating their blood-brain barrier penetration in animal models.

In this project, the aim is for the HP-SPIONs we develop to activate signals to eliminate GBM cells, disrupt the interaction between GBM and immune cells and to change the TME - together leading to tumour suppression.

Additionally, we will develop a laboratory model incorporating patient-derived GBM cells and immune cells to test the efficacy of our approach.

The HP-SPIONs designed in this project offer a comprehensive way to target and therapeutically intervene in GBM progression.