A research team led by Distinguished Professor Long-Bin Jeng at China Medical University Hospital has successfully developed a groundbreaking cell therapy platform that combines stem cells, nanotechnology, and neutron capture therapy to precisely target glioblastoma multiforme, the most aggressive form of brain cancer. This innovative technology not only overcomes the limitations of traditional cell therapy in treating solid tumors but also significantly reduces the required treatment dose and associated side effects, offering new hope to brain cancer patients.

Nano-Armored Stem Cells for Precision Targeting of Brain Tumors

The research team utilized nano-armoring technology to encapsulate stem cells within multifunctional nanocarriers, creating a stem cell-nanomedicine delivery system (SNS). This system offers several key advantages:

1. Precise Accumulation in the Brain: Magnetic iron oxide enables the stem cells to accumulate precisely in the brain under magnetic guidance, while the inherent tumor-homing ability of the stem cells ensures secondary targeting of the brain tumor. Additionally, the inclusion of fucoidan provides anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective effects, reducing treatment side effects.
2. Enhanced Neutron Capture Therapy: The team chose gadolinium-based contrast agents instead of traditional boron agents, which not only have stronger neutron capture capabilities but also offer MRI imaging functions, allowing real-time monitoring of treatment efficacy.

Three Key Advantages of the Technology:

1. Efficient Blood-Brain Barrier Penetration and Targeting of Brain Cancer Cells: By using nanoparticles, the toxicological effects of gadolinium compounds are avoided or delayed, ensuring the stem cells maintain their function and activity. The magnetic effect complements the tumor-homing ability, significantly enhancing the accumulation and precision of gadolinium in brain tumors.
2. High Safety and Broad Applicability: The dosage of gadolinium used is only 1% of the clinical standard, yet it significantly inhibits tumor growth in animal models of primary brain cancer and can be applied to most types of cancer.
3. Multifunctionality: The platform allows for real-time tracking, precise targeting, active control, and post-operative repair, making it a comprehensive next-generation cell cancer therapy platform.
4. High Expandability of the Technology Platform: The nano-drug carriers can encapsulate small molecule drugs, proteins, and nucleic acid drugs, and can be paired with different cell types to achieve effective targeting.

Long-Bin Jeng: Next-Generation Cell Therapy Opens a New Chapter in Cancer Treatment

Distinguished Professor Long-Bin Jeng highlighted that this platform technology overcomes the limitations of traditional cell therapy in brain cancer treatment, enabling precise targeting of tumor cells. Compared to conventional neutron capture therapy, the SNS platform demonstrates a higher tumor-to-blood ratio, better efficacy, lower dosage, more convenient administration, and reduced side effects. This platform technology is not only suitable for stem cells but can also be integrated with immune T cells or dendritic cells for use in immunotherapy. The team has also developed continuous nanoparticle manufacturing technology to ensure batch-to-batch product stability, laying the foundation for mass production and commercialization. Looking ahead, this platform technology is expected to accelerate the development of nano-engineered cell biologics for various diseases through the integration of big data from medical practices, bringing hope to more patients.

Resource (mandarin): 奈米裝甲幹細胞傳遞藥物 低劑量攻克最惡腦癌！