MINT · Multifunctional Immunocompatible NanoTheranostics to modulate tumor microenvironment and improve treatment monitoring: A double blow to pancreatic cancer

Different nanomaterials were developed so far in particular against cancer, paid very little attention to their potential immunogenicity, to their final destiny, as well as to the importance of zero-delivery in unwanted places. Thus, there is still a huge disproportion between the present nanomedicine tools and the clinical requirements. The ambitious purpose of the MINT project is to develop immunocompatible tumor targeted zinc oxide nanocrystals (ZnO-NCs) coated by extracellular vesicles (EVs) with enhanced drug delivery capabilities to cancer cells, by disturbing the supportive tumor microenvironment of pancreatic cancer, one of the most lethal human malignancies. Moreover, ZnO-NCs is doped with transition metal elements to be probed for treatment monitoring.In recent years while several therapeutic advances were implemented in many cancer types, the scenario of pancreatic cancer remains unchanged. The main factor behind the limited efficacy of chemotherapeutics in pancreatic cancer is its complex microenvironment. We propose to deliver Hedgehog pathway inhibitor & vascular endothelial growth factor receptor kinase inhibitor simultaneously through the multifunctional EV-coated doped ZnO-NCs to deplete tumor stroma, normalize tumor vascularity and improve pancreatic cancer therapeutic index. The proposed Fellowship will enable a highly interdisciplinary collaboration between the Researcher, experienced in targeted therapy & pancreatic cancer biology, and the supervisor, pioneer in designing nanotheranostics. These working conditions will effectively promote the Researcher’s professional development, providing her with excellent new expertise in nanotheranostics and fundamental leadership skills, significantly widening her career perspectives. The project outcomes will be of tremendous benefit to the European biomedical sectors, bridge the current gap between the conventional therapies and the Frontier research in the field of cancer nanomedicine.