Polymer-based Nanomedicines for Drug Repurposing in Mesothelioma Therapy

Federica Maione – Assistant Professor, Department of Oncology, Candiolo Cancer Institute, FPO-IRCCS, University of Turin; Francesca Simbolo – Master student, Drug Science and Technology, University of Turin; Elizabeth Klavon – Researcher, Helix Biotech; Haden Scott – Researcher, Helix Biotech; Federica Di Nicolantonio – Professor, Candiolo Cancer Institute, FPO-IRCCS, University of Turin; Roberta Cavalli – Professor, Drug Science and Technology, University of Turin

Introduction:

Pleural mesothelioma (PM) treatment is hampered by delayed diagnosis, the scarcity of actionable therapeutic targets, intrinsic chemoresistance, and an immune suppressive tumor microenvironment. PARP inhibitors, such as olaparib (OLA), have been shown to modulate anti-cancer immune responses across several malignancies. However, their effects on the PM tumor microenvironment are not yet fully elucidated¹. The development of polymeric nanoparticles (NPs) for the systemic delivery of OLA in PM patients might improve therapeutic outcomes by overcoming resistance mechanisms and facilitating synergistic drug combinations.