Nanoparticles smuggle anti-cancer drugs

Andras Lacko, PhD, is about to take a major step forward in his more than 10 years of cancer research. A recent grant from the National Cancer Institute has allowed him to establish a biotech "incubator," expanding his lab’s research on biocompatible nanoparticles’ role in destroying cancer cells.

 "This recent development will allow the Health Science Center to begin ‘translational research’ – taking our extensive and successful studies from bench to bedside," said Lacko, Professor of Molecular Biology and Immunology. "Our research will be moved from the lab to commercialization and clinical applications so that patients eventually can benefit from the enhanced chemotherapy that we have accomplished successfully in the laboratory."

Lacko’s research focuses on drug-carrying synthetic "good (HDL) cholesterol" nanoparticles called "rHDL" that can function like a Trojan horse.

"Because cancer cells gobble up large amounts of cholesterol, we can fool them by putting anti-cancer drugs inside the rHDL particles that deliver the drugs to kill the cholesterol-hungry cancer cells," Lacko said. "Normal body tissues in adults do not need as much cholesterol as cancer cells, so they are not likely to pick up the anti-cancer drugs during chemotherapy. The rHDL nanoparticles are thus expected to bypass most normal cells and go straight to the cancer cells to deliver their payload and thus limit the side effects of future cancer therapy."

Recent News

Dr. John Licciardone
  • Research
|Jun 12, 2025

Long-term study shows better chronic pain outcomes in patients treated by osteopathic physicians

The first long-term study involving three years of follow-up of osteopathic medical care for chronic pain has been published in the Journal of Osteopathic Medicine. The research team was led by Dr. John Licciardone, executive director of the Osteopathic Research Center and regents professor at T...
Dsc01266
  • Community
|Jun 12, 2025

Legacy Writers: TCOM students bring life stories to the final chapter

When Azelia Lau arrived at the Texas College of Osteopathic Medicine at The University of North Texas Health Science Center at Fort Worth, she brought more than a passion for psychiatry. She also carried a long-held idea inspired by an undergraduate program she never got to join. Now a third-...
Lillee Smith Gelinas 666 X 750
  • Research
|Jun 5, 2025

TCOM course linked to higher patient safety awareness knowledge and residency readiness

The Texas College of Osteopathic Medicine at The University of North Texas Health Science Center at Fort Worth is the first medical school in the country to require a patient safety course that prepares students for the Certified Professional in Patient Safety credential — and a new study publishe...
Web Banners
  • Community
|May 30, 2025

TCOM retired faculty member Dr. Frank Papa named emeritus professor by UNT Board of Regents

With more than 40 years of experience, expertise and dedication to the Texas College of Osteopathic Medicine at The University of North Texas Health Science Center at Fort Worth, the UNT System Board of Regents has awarded Frank Papa, DO, Ph.D., with the designation of emeritus professor. Dr. Pa...