AIBN researchers receive $3M to target deadly breast cancer

University of Queensland researchers are taking up the fight against one of the deadliest forms of breast cancer, developing next-generation nanoparticles to supercharge current treatments for triple-negative breast cancer.

Supported with $3 million in funding from the NHMRC, researchers will develop nanoparticles, small enough to fit thousands on a single strand of hair, to help the immune system recognize and destroy these hard-to-treat cancer cells.

Professor Chengzhong (Michael) Yu and his team at UQ’s Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology (AIBN) said a new solution was crucial as TNBC cancer cells lacked the proteins targeted by known and effective treatments used against other cancers.

“We know that triple-negative breast cancer is one of the most aggressive and deadliest breast cancers, responsible for nearly one in three breast cancer deaths in Australians each year,” Professor Yu said.

“Despite the promise of immunotherapy, its effectiveness against triple-negative breast cancer is extremely limited, which is leaving too many women without options – and that’s what our research is trying to change.”

With almost 2,500 new TNBC diagnoses each year in Australia alone, AIBN Director Professor Alan Rowan congratulated Professor Yu and his team on the significant grant.

“As one of the hardest-to-treat cancers, this significant grant will help researchers develop treatments that could mean better survival rates for Australian women.

“This research will push the boundaries of science to find innovative treatments that change the way we fight this cancer, offering hope for women facing devastating outcomes.”

Professor Yu described the process as systematic engineering.

“The particles we’re designing will essentially work inside the tumor microenvironment, including TNBC cancer cells and important immune cells, to boost the performance of T-cells, the white blood cells used by the immune system to fight disease,” Professor Yu said.

“With the right combination of iron-based nanoparticles and substances that can trigger programmed cell death, we hope the nano-adjuvant will be able to improve the efficacy of immunotherapy treatment.”

Professor Yu said the five-year research project could lead to new treatments for other hard-to-treat cancers, giving more patients a fighting chance.

“The versatility of this nano-adjuvant could also lend itself to application for other advanced solid tumors that require enhanced T-cell recognition – such as ovarian cancer,” Professor Yu said.

The project combines elements of Professor Yu’s 20-year career in nanotechnology and nanomedicine, including nanoparticle innovation, understanding the nanoparticle-cell interaction, and drug delivery to provide new solutions for cancer treatment.