A research team from “American” Sharjah obtains a patent for a new method for treating breast cancer

A team of American University of Sharjah researchers obtained a patent in the United States of America for targeted treatment systems and methods for breast cancer, as the team had applied for the patent in 2017 and it was issued on December 15, 2020.

The group of researchers, known as the “Ultrasound Group in Cancer Research” is working on a chemotherapy program that uses microcapsules that target cancer cells bypassing healthy cells in the body, thus reducing the negative effects of chemotherapy. This innovation can help cancer patients avoid some of the harsh side effects. And sometimes debilitating, of current treatments.

Dr. Ghaleb Al Husseini, professor of chemical engineering and Dana Gas Chemical Engineering Chair at the American University of Sharjah and founder of the University’s “Ultrasound for Cancer Research” group at the university, said: “The patent describes a chemotherapy program consisting of nanotransmitters that use the drug Herceptone and coat many agents. Anti-tumor / anti-cancer / Once the nanocomposites reach the breast cancer tissue and are bound to it, the drug is released using ultrasound, which ensures that high concentrations of treatment reach the diseased tissues while avoiding their interaction with healthy cells in the body, thus reducing the side effects of treatment Traditional chemist. “

And he added that with this method, the nanotransmitters target a type of protein called the human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2), which promotes the growth of cancer cells and once the nanotransmitters bind to the malignant cells, ultrasound is used to release the chemotherapy drug at the target site.

He explained that the use of ultrasound is ideal because it is easy to use and widely understood. The American University of Sharjah drug delivery group is working on research related to combating breast cancer, and researchers in this group have also applied for a patent in the United States. For a treatment based on the use of the hormone estron and liposomes to deliver chemotherapy in the treatment of breast cancer, these research studies provided an opportunity for graduate and undergraduate students specializing in chemical, biomedical and electrical engineering at the university to gain research experience within their work on research teams.

Dr. Al-Hussaini expressed his appreciation for the efforts and innovations of the university students whom we rely heavily on in our work, and the credit for the success of this research goes to the members of the drug delivery group at the American University of Sharjah, especially the faculty members, visiting scientists and postdoctoral fellows. With funding provided by faculty research grants at the American University of Sharjah, Patients’ Friends Committee – Sharjah, Al Jalila Foundation, Al Qasimi Foundation, Technology Innovation Pioneers Program – Healthcare, Takamul Program, and the Dana Gas Chemical Engineering Chair.