Implant design helps fight ovarian cancer from the inside
Researchers have developed an implant that could deliver next-generation therapies for ovarian cancer precisely where they are needed while simultaneously monitoring how the disease responds.
Researchers at CÚRAM, the Research Ireland Centre for Medical Devices at the University of Galway, along with collaborators from the University of Minnesota, MIT, and the Wyss Institute, have developed an implant designed to deliver localized therapies for ovarian cancer. The flexible, porous implant is inserted into the peritoneal cavity, where ovarian cancer commonly occurs, and connected to an external port for replenishment of therapeutic agents.
Lead researcher Dr. Aoibhín Sheedy explained that the implant was specifically designed to deliver cell therapies repeatedly and precisely to the tumor site, as localized delivery has proven more effective than conventional treatments. The implant's porous membrane allows therapeutic cargo to diffuse evenly into the tissue, reducing the risk of complications.
In preclinical studies, the implant maintained functionality for up to 70 days without complications and demonstrated superior tumor control compared to traditional methods. The implant also includes monitoring capabilities, enabling the collection of peritoneal fluid samples to assess the effects of therapies on the tumor microenvironment in real-time.
This two-way approach allows clinicians to track immune cell performance and tumor response, enabling adaptive treatment. The implant is envisioned to be placed during the initial surgery to remove tumor tissue and could be left long-term to monitor disease recurrence and facilitate early retreatment if necessary.
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