Researchers at the University of Reading have designed a new
super-efficient way of delivering an anti-cancer drug which could extend
and improve the quality of life for bladder cancer patients and
perhaps save lives. The team developed a unique microgel that is potentially eight times
‘stickier' than conventional methods keeping the drug in the bladder for
longer. The microgel can also release the drug in a more controlled
manner, and for a longer period of time, than alternative delivery
methods. This could mean fewer uncomfortable hospital appointments for
patients while increasing their chances of recovery.
About 10,000 people are diagnosed with bladder cancer every year in
the UK which affects mostly people aged 50 and over. With around 50
percent of patients succumbing to the disease, bladder cancer is one of
the more deadly forms.
However there has been very little progress in bladder cancer therapy
since the 1980s. Anti-cancer drugs, such as Doxorubicin, are effective
but there is an urgent need to make them more efficient. The location of
the cancer means that much of the drug is lost through the washout
effect with urine.
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