Research Projects

Cancer remains a devastating clinical issue, with around 18.1 million new cases in 2018 and an estimated 28.0 million new cases by 2040. Prostate cancer (PC) is one of the most silent cancers, affecting approximately 30% of all major cancers in men. Detecting and treating malignant growth simultaneously is crucial for successful treatment. However, traditional chemotherapy has harmful side effects and non-explicitness. Current imaging techniques, such as computer tomography, ultrasound, positron emission tomography, and magnetic resonance imaging, do not allow for quantification of tumor volume in predefined areas. Peptide treatment offers a promising alternative due to its low molecular weight, low toxicity in tissue, and ability to specifically target cancer cells. A new approach is proposed using an amide-linked fluorescent cyclic peptide-amphipathic-D diastereosmers, which may have higher detection and restorative efficacy simultaneously. These peptides will be entrapped in polymeric nanoparticles (PLA-PEG) to improve peptide stability and overcome denaturation caused by conglomeration, degradation, and unfolding. The surface of these PLA-PEG nanoparticles will be altered through conjugation with an aptamer specific to prostate cancer, improving targeted delivery of peptide payloads to the tumor environment. The anti-tumor efficacy of these novel cancer-targeted nanotherapeutics will be confirmed in vitro and in vivo against PC.