Acute Myeloid Leukemia: Nanomedicine drug delivery system could improve chemotherapy

Unfortunately, the administration dose of anthracyclines is limited by their cardiotoxicity and the development of drug-resistance of tumors. In addition, the efficiency of anthracyclines decreases during circulation in the blood stream due to its rapid metabolicdegradation.

To improve the pharmacological properties of anthracyclines, a novel nanomedicine drug delivery system has been developed by the groups of Prof. Dr. Tanja Weil (Institute of Organic Chemistry/Macromolecular Chemistry, Ulm University) and Prof. Dr. Christian Buske (Comprehensive Cancer Center Ulm, Institute of Experimental Cancer Research, University Hospital Ulm).

This biopolymer carries multiple copies of an anti-tumor drug molecule, it shows high stability in serum and efficient release in tumor cells by a dual mechanism. Significantly higher survival rates have been observed in an ex vivo animal model suggesting its potential for designing next generation anti-leukemia treatments. The results have been published in the Journal of Advanced Healthcare Materials.

Yuzhou Wu, Susann Ihme, Michaela Feuring-Buske, Seah Ling Kuan, Klaus Eisele, Markus Lamla, Yanran Wang, Christian Buske, and Tanja Weil. A core-shell albumin copolymer nanotransporter for high capacity loading and two-step release of doxorubicin with enhanced anti-leukemia activity. Advanced Healthcare Materials. http://doi.wiley.com/10.1002/adhm.201200296.”

Further information:
Prof. Dr. Tanja Weil, Tel.: 0049/731 50-22871 or 0049/731 50-22870
Prof. Dr. Christian Buske, Tel.: 0049/731 500-65800
PD Dr. Michaela Feuring-Buske, Tel.: 0049/731 500-65823