“Development of new implantable drug forms, biodegradable nanofibers containing selected betulin derivatives in order to increase their anticancer efficacy”

Project manager: dr hab. Katarzyna Jelonek

Project implementation period: 01.03.2022-28.02.2025

The project is carried out in cooperation with the Silesian Medical University in Katowice (Leader), the Maria Skłodowska-Curie National Institute of Oncology – State Research Institute – Branch in Gliwice and the Center of Polymer and Carbon Materials of the Polish Academy of Sciences.
The aim of the project is to develop nanofibers containing substances with anticancer activity (betulin and its derivatives) characterized by prolonged drug release and appropriate mechanical properties (elasticity) using an innovative electrospinning technique. The drug implants will be intended for implantation into the bed remaining after tumor resection or directly into the tumor tissue (in the case of inoperable tumors) as postoperative cancer chemotherapy. In this way, it will be possible to reduce the toxicity and side effects of chemotherapy compared to conventional systemic therapy. The project focuses mainly on breast cancer therapy, so in addition to in vitro studies, it will also include in vivo studies on a mouse model of breast cancer.