The applied device reduced squamous cell carcinomas by up to 100% in laboratory tests. New therapy, which could be an alternative to high-cost treatments and surgeries, awaits partnerships for clinical trials
A kind of band Aid formed by a bacterial cellulose membrane impregnated with a drug containing metals in its composition promises to change treatment of skin cancer. The “dressing” enables the controlled release of the metallodrug and reduces a type of cancer known as squamous cell carcinoma.
The membrane, a biopolymer, works as a support for the release of the active ingredient, which includes silver ions and the anti-inflammatory nimesulide. The device was applied to mice with skin cancer, with total remission of the tumor in four out of 10 animals. The results were published at the end of February by the scientific journal Pharmaceuticals.
The invention was developed by the State University of Campinas (Unicamp) and the University of Araraquara (Uniara). The technology, which in 2019 went through the ASTRo (Applied Science Trail Roche) acceleration program by Roche and Biominas Brasil, had the patent filed by Inova Unicamp and awaits partnerships to advance the development of a product to be used in humans.
Squamous cell carcinoma of the skin is the second most common type of cancer in the world, according to the Global Cancer Observatory and the National Cancer Institute (INCA). It can occur in all parts of the body, although it is more common in areas exposed to solar radiation, such as face, scalp, arms and neck.
“The search for new compounds and new treatments is a pressing need, particularly in a tropical country like ours, where people are exposed to the sun a lot”, says Carmen Silvia Passos Lima, professor and researcher at the Faculty of Medical Sciences (FCM) from Unicamp.
Less invasive and with prolonged effect
The topical device works as a slow release system for the complex containing the metallodrug. The membrane developed at Uniara received the compound developed at Unicamp and the assembly was placed under an adhesive. The “dressing” can be produced in different sizes and shapes adjusted to the tumors. In laboratory tests vitro (on plates), the release time was monitored for up to 216 hours. In the study in vivo (with mice), the dressing was changed every three days, remaining active, that is, releasing the medication during this period.
“With this, we can increase patients’ adherence to treatment, avoiding frequent applications. To our knowledge, there are no silver-based drugs approved for topical treatment of skin cancer patients”, comments Pedro Paulo Corbi, researcher at the Chemistry Institute (IQ) at Unicamp.
Current treatments for squamous cell carcinoma include high-cost surgeries and medications, with undesirable effects, such as skin reactions and irritations. Surgical resection can cause mutilations and disfigure patients, with the loss of the affected region, often requiring the implantation of prostheses.
The researchers believe that the “bandage” could reduce the areas to be removed and even avoid surgery, improving patients' quality of life.
How does the anti-cancer “bandage” work?
The sun induces an inflammatory process in the skin that leads to cell mutations and cancer. Exposure to prolonged ultraviolet radiation can modify the DNA structure of cells. The silver and anti-inflammatory complexes inserted into the membrane inhibit the proliferation of tumor cells (cytostatic activity) or cause cell death (cytocidal activity), like a chemotherapy drug.
Silver has been described for centuries for its antimicrobial activity. More recently, it has been considered a potential chemotherapy agent. Associated with silver, nimesulide, an anti-inflammatory well-established in medicine, reduces inflammation triggered by the sun, increasing the effectiveness of the compound.
Animals treated with the “dressing” showed a reduction of almost 75% in skin tumors. Complete remission of tumors was observed in four out of ten mice. On the other hand, an increase in the size of the tumors was observed in the control group, made up of animals not treated with the anti-cancer “dressing”.
“The final anticancer effect observed can be attributed to the combination of antiproliferative and anti-inflammatory effects observed in the silver complex with nimesulide. In this way, the treatment allowed control of tumor progression through the action of different therapeutic targets”, explains Ana Lúcia Ruiz, researcher at the Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences (FCF) at Unicamp.
The low cost and ease of preparing the membrane are additional advantages for the commercial development of the device. To reach the market, the technology will need to undergo studies to expand understanding of the mechanism of action and effects on humans. Companies that wish to establish Research and Development (R&D) partnerships with the group or license the technology can contact the Inova Unicamp Innovation Agency.
Read more: The Unicamp and Uniara team came in 1st place in the Program Star Roche 2019 of innovation in research.
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