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An endo-pouch for selective targeted ovarian drug delivery in cancer patients

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Project Overview

Cancer and the resulting treatment with chemotherapy often causes serious harm to the reproductive capabilities of female patients. A promising drug, Dexrazoxane (Dexra), shields the ovaries from DNA damage caused by doxorubicin chemotherapy [1]. In order to apply Dexra to the ovary and prevent non-targeted toxicity elsewhere in the body, an endo-bag constructed from a suitable biomaterial and connected via a port must be designed to selectively deliver the drug. This delivery route will be similar to picc line (a current method used to administer chemotherapy in blood vessels).

The team will have the option of using ovaries and ovarian tissue to test the pouch, and they may also obtain ovaries from pigs and cows through slaughterhouses. An animal model will initially be used to test the pouch, requiring a favorable review before it may be considered for human trials. The longevity and durability of the pouch must be considered, in order that it be able to withstand repeated use.

[1] Protection from doxorubicin toxicity: Roti Rot, E.C. and Salih, S.M. Dexrazoxane Ameliorates Doxorubicin-Induced Injury in Mouse Ovarian Cells. Biology of Reproduction, 2012. 86(3): p. 1-11.

Team Picture

Team members from left to right: Montserrat Calixto, Matthew Anderson, Lazura Krasteva, Nicolaas Angenent-Mari, Veronica Porubsky
Team members from left to right: Montserrat Calixto, Matthew Anderson, Lazura Krasteva, Nicolaas Angenent-Mari, Veronica Porubsky

Contact Information

Team Members

  • Lazura Krasteva - Team Leader
  • Matthew Anderson - Communicator
  • Montserrat Calixto - BSAC
  • Veronica Porubsky - BWIG
  • Nicolaas Angenent-Mari - BPAG

Advisor and Client

  • Prof. Randolph Ashton - Advisor
  • Dr. Sana Salih - Client

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