Background
Shortcomings of current chemotherapy

a) Poor bioavailability: less therapeutic effect

b) Non-targeted therapy: drugs striking non-diseased/healthy cells

c) Targeting cancer stem cells (CSCs) is difficult: relapse/recurrence of tumor

d) Induce/select drug-resistant persistent cancer cells (PCCs): show specific
characteristics leading to drug resistance

e) A frequent high dosage: hepatotoxicity, gastric intolerance, hypersensitivity, nephrotoxicity, hematological reactions, and neurological effects.

There is an emergency need for novel drug delivery systems to combat these shortcomings to conquer and eradicate the disease. 

Proposed novel drug delivery system 

In this project, we have proposed the formulation of a smart combination of super- functionalization of MWCNTs: i) internally with Fe3O4 (Mag) and ii) externally with gold nanoparticles (Au NPs), Doxorubicin (DOX), anti-CD44 antibodies (Ab CD44), and siRNA/ALDH (siALDH). Combined, it will produce synergistic effects and enhance the efficacy of killing PCCs. Altogether, through inter-disciplinary collaborations, our proposed work focuses on developing a new strategy to target cancer cells particularly PCCs to diminish the possibility of cancer recurrence.

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