Natural Macromolecules Show Promise in Personalized Cancer Therapy

Researchers at Rungta College of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Research in Bhilai, India, have made significant advancements in the field of personalized medicine, exploring the use of natural macromolecules in targeted cancer therapy. The study, which has been peer-reviewed, reveals the potential of these molecules in augmenting drug delivery systems for specific targeting of the tumor necrosis factor-alpha receptor in cancer therapy. This breakthrough intervention could revolutionize cancer treatment by mitigating toxicity and bypassing multidrug resistance.

Key Takeaways:

• The research identifies natural macromolecules such as lipids, polysaccharides, and proteins as potential candidates for targeted cancer therapy.
• These macromolecules have been shown to possess negligible toxicity, mucoadhesive properties, and ability to enhance drug stability and controlled release capabilities.
• Novel drug delivery approaches discussed in the study include polysaccharides, lipids, chitosan, proteins, polymers, dendrimers, exosomes, hydrogels, albumin nanoparticles, silk nanoparticles, and cyclodextrin nanoparticles.
• The study highlights the importance of ligand functionalization for targetability towards receptors and encapsulation of chemotherapeutic, immunomodulatory, and gene-silencing drugs for site-specific delivery at a tumor site.
• Natural macromolecules have the potential to interfere with tumor necrosis factor-alpha receptor-dependent processes in cancer, offering a new direction in developing efficient, non-toxic, and personalized therapies for anti-cancer activities.
• The research has been peer-reviewed and published in the International Journal of Biological Macromolecules, a leading scientific publication.

Statistics:

• Cancer is one of the most significant abnormalities in medical sciences, affecting millions of people worldwide.
• Targeting the tumor necrosis factor-alpha receptor appears to have a critical role in both cancer development and immune modality.
• The study cites the discovery of 15 natural macromolecules, including chitosan, hyaluronic acid, alginate, pectin, dextran, starch, cellulose, agar, carrageenan, guar gum, chondroitin sulfate, pullulan, konjac glucomannan, and lipids.

Sources:

• International Journal of Biological Macromolecules, 2025:145145.
• Rungta College of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Research, Bhilai, C.G., India
• Nousheen Khatoon (associate author)
• Mohammad Adnan Raza (associate author)
• Rahnuma Parveen (associate author)
• V. Nirisha (associate author)
• Yamini Thakur (associate author)
• Yogita Thakur (associate author)
• Kumari Lata (associate author)
• A. S. Shifana (associate author)
• John Disouza (associate author)
• Suprit D. Saoji (associate author)
• Ajazuddin (associate author)
• Elsevier, Radarweg 29, 1043 Nx Amsterdam, Netherlands (publisher)
• International Journal of Biological Macromolecules (www.journals.elsevier.com/international-journal-of-biological-macromolecules/)