Dr. Ed Boas, an interventional radiologist from City of Hope, is making waves in the field of cancer treatment by working on a pioneering approach to targeted drug delivery for liver cancer. Traditionally, chemotherapy involves administering drugs through ports that affect the entire body, leading to side effects. Boas and his team are attempting to change this paradigm by developing a new catheter system that allows medications to be delivered directly and evenly into tumors.
The development of this innovative drug delivery system involves advanced microscale 3D printing technology, enabling accurate placement while preserving healthy tissue. This targeted treatment approach represents a significant shift toward precision in cancer therapy.
Key aspects of this project include:
- Minimally Invasive Procedures: This new method allows doctors to accurately locate and treat tumors without causing damage to surrounding tissues.
- Overcoming Manufacturing Challenges: Conventional manufacturing processes were not sufficient for the complex requirements of the device, making microscale 3D printing essential to the project’s success.
- Rapid Development Cycle: The team is moving quickly from initial lab models to animal testing, with the goal of advancing to human trials.
This groundbreaking technology could offer new hope for patients battling liver cancer, providing a more effective and less invasive treatment option.