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Advances in Cancer Treatment and Artificial Blood: Innovations in Medicine

Cancer may soon surpass heart disease as the leading cause of death in the U.S. Researchers are investigating oncogenes and tumor-suppressor genes to develop tailored drug therapies through pharmacogenomics. New strategies aim to target cancer cells effectively while minimizing damage to healthy tissue. Additionally, innovations in artificial blood, such as Hemopure, may provide disease-free alternatives to traditional transfusions. However, existing artificial options still have limitations, and ongoing research seeks to create more effective solutions.

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Advances in Cancer Treatment and Artificial Blood: Innovations in Medicine

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  1. Medical Products & Applications • Cancer may soon pass Heart Disease as the leading cause of death in the U.S. • Scientists are investigating oncogenes & tumor-suppressor genes (genes in charge of the growth properties of the cell) • Drugs are being sought to act as inhibitors and activators for the transcription of these genes

  2. Pharmacogenomics • Most effective drug therapy and treatment strategies based on genetic profile of the patient • Individuals react differently to same drugs (different degrees of efficacy & adverse events) • Example in action = breast cancer

  3. Breast Cancer • Some forms of breast cancer are hereditary, while others are not • BRCA1 (chromosome 17) & BRCA2 (chromosome 13) are the defective genes that increase the risk of developing breast cancer • DNA microarray analysis is used to determine which genes are involved

  4. Chemotherapy • This form of treatment is effective but it is cytotoxic (affects normal cells) • Researchers are looking for drugs to target only cancerous cells • If the genetic basis is understood, custom designed drugs will improve. • However, the delivery of those drugs to their target still needs improvement.

  5. Drug Delivery • Companies must develop ways to deliver drugs to maximize their efficacy • Drug solubility, breakdown by body organs, & elimination by liver and kidneys • Microspheres may improve effectiveness

  6. Microspheres • Tiny particles that can be filled with drugs • Made of materials that resemble lipids • Mist spray successful (for lung cancer and other respiratory illnesses) • Implantation?

  7. Nanotechnology • An area of science involved in designing, building, and manipulating structures at the nanometer scale. • Nanomedicine = applications of nanotechnology for improving human health • Not a reality yet • Scientists envision “smart” drugs (deliver medicine to specific cell to destroy without side effects)

  8. Blood Transfusions • Blood transfusions routinely performed since 1930s • Trauma victims, surgeries, blood-clotting disorders • Tested for pathogens • Has a shelf life • There is often a need for blood, so research into artificial blood has become a new field

  9. Artificial Blood Advantages • Disease-free alternative • Constant supply (no worry of shortage) • Stored for long periods of time • Would not have to be matched (no rejection) • Oxycyte pictured at left

  10. Artificial Blood Limitations • Designed to transport oxygen to body tissues (only primary task of RBCs) • Iron absorption • Removal of carbon dioxide • No substitute yet created that can perform functions of whole blood • No immune protection • No clotting

  11. Oxycyte Video

  12. Hemopure • In 2000, South Africa was the first country to approve a blood substitute called Hemopure • Made from hemoglobin of cattle (produced by Biopure, a MA company) • Cell-free solution containing molecules that can bind to and transport oxygen same way as hemoglobin • Some use fluorocarbons, which are chemicals that can bind oxygen and release it to surrounding tissues

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