Two researchers have received a patent for a new drug delivery system that could remove some of the side effects from chemotherapy.
Vincent S. Gallicchio, Ph.D., associate dean for research, University of Kentucky College of Allied Health Professions, and Milton Yatvin, Ph.D., professor of radiation oncology, Oregon Health Science Center in Portland, Ore., developed the drug delivery system which is being studied in animals. The drug delivery system is about one to two years away from human testing.
The new system includes incorporating drugs into macrophage cells and delivering the cells intravenously to patients. Macrophage cells, which are localized in certain parts of the body, have a homing mechanism, which causes them to return to their original location.
"This approach for the treatment of malignant diseases could prove to be an effective alternative in addition to standard therapy protocols," Gallicchio said.
The new delivery system could provide another way to deliver chemotherapy to cancer patients. The drug could be administered to the cancerous part of the body rather than the entire body resulting in fewer side effects.