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Nanomedicine and Nanoscale Delivery (Focus Group – NND)

Targeting the Pancreatic Tumor Microenvironment Using Gold Nanoparticle–Based Photothermy

Duarte Serôdio – Research Fellow, NOVA School of Science and Technology; Carolina Cabete – MSc Student, NOVA School of Science and Technology; Alexandra Fernandes – Full Professor, NOVA School of Science and Technology; Pedro Baptista – Full Professor, NOVA School of Science and Technology
Introduction:

Pancreatic duct adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is one of the deadliest cancers, with a 5-year overall survival rate of 5-10%. Its aggressive nature is related to its desmoplastic and heterogenous tumor microenvironment (TME). Chemotherapy remains the primary therapeutic option in PDAC, though resistance to standard-of-care regimens is commonly observed. Growing interest in targeting the TME highlights the need for advanced 3D models that reproduce its structural complexity and cell interactions.

This study aimed to develop a combinatory therapeutic strategy using gold nanoparticle-mediated photothermy to sensitize PDAC spheroids to the standard-of-care FOLFIRINOX chemotherapeutic regimen.

Learning Objectives:

  • Explain how gold nanoparticle–mediated photothermal therapy can enhance chemotherapy efficacy.
  • Understand the role of the tumor microenvironment in therapeutic resistance in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma.