Targeted nanoparticles show 80% success in treating ovarian cancer

MIT researchers have developed targeted nanoparticles that significantly enhance immunotherapy against ovarian cancer, a disease often resistant to treatment. These nanoparticles deliver the immune-activating molecule IL-12 directly to ovarian tumors, activating T cells and other immune cells to attack cancer. In mouse models, this approach eradicated metastatic ovarian cancer in over 80% of cases when combined with checkpoint inhibitors, which alone have limited success against ovarian tumors. The nanoparticles slowly release IL-12 within tumors, avoiding the severe side effects associated with high systemic doses of the molecule. The nanoparticles are liposomes coated with poly-L-glutamate (PLE) that specifically target ovarian tumor cells, with IL-12 tethered via a stable chemical linker for controlled release over about a week. This design maintains immune activation in the tumor microenvironment while preventing toxicity. The treatment not only cleared tumors but also induced long-term immune memory, protecting mice from tumor recurrence upon re-exposure. The MIT team is now working toward clinical development of this promising therapy,