Targeted gene delivery technology: new prospects for lung cancer treatment

Targeted gene delivery technology: new prospects for lung cancer A breakthrough in respiratory medicine: Scientists have successfully developed a system to deliver gene therapy directly to the lungs - paving the way for more effective treatments for lung cancer and cystic fibrosis.

The study was led by Professor Gaurav Sahay (Oregon State University, USA), in collaboration with Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU) and the University of Helsinki. The research results were published simultaneously in Nature Communications and the Journal of the American Chemical Society .

Breakthrough mechanism

The team tested more than 150 materials before creating a specialized polymer nanoparticle that can be safely transported:

1. mRNA (genetic information)
2. Gene editing tool into lung cells.

Tests on mice showed:

1. Lung tumor growth inhibition by 40%
2. Improved lung function in a cystic fibrosis model (a genetic disease caused by a single gene mutation)

The researchers also developed a chemical strategy to build a large library of lung-targeting lipids to be used in nanocarriers. These materials form the basis of a new drug delivery system and can be customized to reach different organs in the body. According to Prof. Sahay: "The optimized synthesis method allows for the design of multi-disease therapies. We simultaneously activate anti-cancer immunity and restore lung function without causing side effects.

The long-term goal is to create safe gene therapy by delivering the right tool to the right target. This is an important step forward in the field of lung cancer treatment in general.

Samuel Daniel

Update 16 June 2025