Scientists from Tomsk Polytechnic University (TPU) together with Russian colleagues have made a breakthrough in the treatment of glioblastoma, one of the most aggressive forms of brain cancer. They have developed an innovative technology for delivering drugs directly to the tumour through the olfactory system. This is reported by the official website of the Russian Ministry of Science and Higher Education.

The essence of the method is as follows: nanoparticles with a drug are injected through the nose, and stimulation of olfactory receptors helps them “get” to the tumour.

As the Head of the study, Associate Professor Roman Chernozem of TPU, explains, the use of magnetic nanoparticles as “containers” for drugs makes it possible to bypass the blood-brain barrier (BBB) – the brain’s natural defence – and deliver the drug precisely to the target.

Animal experiments have shown that stimulating the sense of smell significantly increases the number of nanoparticles reaching the tumour. Moreover, the particles localise specifically in the glioblastoma region without dispersing throughout the brain.

“This opens new opportunities for targeted drug delivery in the treatment of various brain diseases, such as Parkinson’s disease, dementia and depression,” emphasised study participant, TPU researcher Aleksander Romashchenko.

According to the scientists, the efficiency of drug delivery through the nose using olfactory stimulation is six times higher than with intravenous administration.

TVBRICS