Dr. Bates on Stimulating the Immune System With Nanoparticles in RCC

Paula J. Bates, PhD, professor of medicine, director, UofL-ExCITE Hub, an NIH Research Evaluation and Commercialization Hub site, co-leader, Experimental Therapeutics & Diagnostics Program, James Graham Brown Cancer Center, University of Louisville, discusses the use of nanoparticles to stimulate the immune system in renal cell carcinoma (RCC).

Macrophages are phagocytic cells that are typically found at the site of infection. These cells act as surveillance in the body by identifying foreign particles. Through the use of nanoparticle treatment, Bates believes macrophages can be directed to kill cancer cells.

Based on preclinical research, Bates speculates that nanoparticles could reduce the toxicity of treatment due to increased absorption from tumor cells rather than normal cells. Also, nanoparticles have the potential to be more effective than small molecule drugs because they can bypass specific pumps that filter out small molecule drugs.