Anti-Cancer Smart Bomb

Update: answer to a long-awaited question from many blogs ago ... here's what I sent to UT Medical Branch:
Investigators at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology recently reported novel chemotherapeutic technology in the form of an anti-cancer nanocell.1 The cross-discipline research effort focused on designing a nanoparticle to provide “improved therapeutic index with reduced toxicity.” The delivery system overcomes challenges encountered in anti-angiogenetic chemotherapy approaches. Physiochemical analysis of the system revealed quick deployment of the anti-angiogenesis agent followed by prolonged discharge of the cytotoxic agent. In vivo trials show promising activity. This integrative approach combines cancer biology, pharmacology, and engineering. The multi-discipline effort toward anti-cancer therapies promotes collaboration among the biochemical sciences and encourages my pursuit of an M.D./Ph.D.

Temporal targeting of tumor cells and neovasculature with a nonscale delivery system. Sengupta, S; Eavarone, D.; Capila, I; Zhao, G.; Watson, N.; Kiziltepe, T.; Sasisekharan, R. Nature 2005, 436, 568-572.