Scientists just found a way to fight lung cancer and muscle wasting at the same time
Oregon State University researchers have developed lipid nanoparticles that deliver mRNA to lung tumors to produce follistatin, a protein that suppresses tumor growth and prevents muscle wasting. This targeted delivery method overcomes the common issue of therapeutic accumulation in the liver.
Why it matters
This dual-action treatment addresses both the primary cancer and the debilitating secondary symptoms of muscle loss, offering a more comprehensive approach to lung cancer therapy.
Researchers at Oregon State University have developed an experimental treatment designed to tackle lung cancer and the severe muscle loss that can occur alongside it.
The research, published in the Journal of Controlled Release , uses lipid nanoparticles to carry therapeutic genetic material directly to lung tumors.
Nanoparticles Deliver mRNA to Lung Tumors
In experiments using mice, a team led by Oleh Taratula and Yoon Tae Goo of the OSU College of Pharmacy tested nanocarriers containing follistatin messenger RNA. The nanoparticles accumulated in lung tumors, where the mRNA instructed cells to produce follistatin, a protein that can help suppress tumor growth while also supporting the growth of muscle tissue.
The lipid nanoparticles, known as LNPs, are delivered intravenously. Their ability to reach lung tumors depends in part on vitronectin, a protein naturally found in blood serum.
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