Parenteral Delivery
Our research aim is to improve the treatment for the most common type (80-90%) of liver cancer, also known as hepatocellular carcinoma or HCC. We started back in 2011 by evaluating the current treatment options for intermediate stage HCC using in-vitro and in-vivo studies as well as a clinical trial.
Since 2017 we are working on developing new innovative formulations to improve treatment outcome and reduce side effects.
Background - TACE
Transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) is one of the most common treatments for intermediate stage HCC. This treatment is usually given as either an emulsion or microparticle formulation that is administered intra-arterially to the tumor in the liver (see figure). Both formulations are loaded with the cytotoxic drug doxorubicin (DOX). The artery in question supplies the tumor and the rest of the liver with oxygen-rich blood and both of these formulations aim to block smaller blood vessels to create an embolized (oxygen-poor) environment. When they are in place, DOX is released to kill the tumor cells.
Although this sounds smart in theory, research has shown that TACE treatment only prolongs life for a few months and can therefore be considered as only a palliative treatment method for HCC patients.
Evaluation of clinical formulations
Since 2011, we have been working with evaluating these two clinically relevant formulations that are regularly used to treat HCC patients. We have developed several in vitro methods for studying drug release at the detail level and have used mathematical models to explain differences and similarities. Several in vivo studies including a clinical study have helped us to correlate and model our in-vitro and in-vivo data to gain a better understanding of how the emulsion and microparticles behave in the body. Have a look at our publications for more information!
New innovations
Since 2017, we are working on developing new innovative micro- and nano-formulations to improve HCC treatment. We have nanoparticles as the focus area and in the picture below you can see an illustration of a nanometer sized particle loaded with DOX and equipped to both avoid clearance by the bodys immune system and to target for the right cells (tumor in the liver).
Illustration by Fredrik Kullenberg
Contact us (Oliver & Fredrik) for more details!