Researchers at the National University of Singapore have developed an innovative approach to combat non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) by transforming red blood cell-derived extracellular vesicles into targeted delivery systems for genetic therapies. This method addresses the challenge of drug resistance in NSCLC patients, particularly those with mutations in the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) gene. The team engineered antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs) to specifically target and silence mutated EGFR genes, preventing the production of proteins that drive uncontrolled cell growth. To ensure these ASOs reach their intended targets without degradation, they are encapsulated within extracellular vesicles derived from red blood cells, which naturally evade the immune system and home in on cancer cells.
In preclinical studies, this personalized ASO therapy demonstrated superior efficacy in killing cancer cells and shrinking tumors compared to conventional treatments, even in cases where the cancer had developed resistance. Notably, patient-derived tumor models that had ceased responding to standard therapies showed significant regression when treated with this approach. This research suggests that utilizing red blood cell-derived vesicles as delivery vehicles for nucleic acid therapeutics could offer a potent new strategy for treating malignancies, providing hope for patients with limited treatment options. Click for More Details
