This presentation dives into the innovative approach of using non-invasive imaging technologies to activate drugs precisely at disease sites. This method aimed to enhance drug efficacy and minimise side effects by controlling drug release spatially and temporally within the body.
Thanou began by explaining the concept of image-directed activatable therapeutics, which sought to deliver drugs at the right place, time, and dose. She highlighted the limitations of traditional targeting methods and introduced the idea of using non-invasive interventions guided by imaging to overcome these challenges.
One of the key technologies discussed was MRI-guided focused ultrasound. This technique concentrated ultrasound beams under MRI guidance to locally alter blood vessel permeability, enabling targeted drug release within a few millimetres in the body. Thanou noted that this technology was FDA-approved for clinical use and was employed for changing blood vessel permeability, ablation, and cavitation.
Thanou also introduced theranostic liposomes for drug delivery. These liposomes incorporated MRI contrast agents and were loaded with drugs like topotecan and doxorubicin. They could be remotely activated by focused ultrasound to release drugs rapidly and specifically at tumour sites, as demonstrated both in vitro and in vivo.
Another innovative approach discussed was the use of nanodroplets for ultrasound activation. These nanodroplets contained perfluorocarbon and underwent cavitation upon ultrasound exposure, increasing the permeability of blood vessels and tissues with less cellular damage compared to microbubbles. This offered a controlled drug delivery mechanism.
Thanou concluded her presentation by discussing the emerging technology of microwave imaging and hyperthermia. This method used microwave frequencies for tumour imaging and localised hyperthermia to activate drug release from nanoparticles. It provided a cost-effective alternative to MRI-guided ultrasound with real-time imaging and safe, non-ionising radiation.
Overall, Thanou's presentation showcased the potential of image-directed activatable therapeutics to revolutionise targeted drug delivery, offering precise, image-guided options for various tumours. The technologies developed at King's College London were advancing towards human application through collaborations and startups.
