Prostate Cancer

Nanoparticles in Cancer Research 

At FECRI, our nanoparticle research is advancing new ways to deliver cancer therapies with greater precision and fewer side effects. Dr Arpita Poddar focuses on developing nanoparticles designed to target tumour cells in triple-negative breast cancer and advanced prostate cancer, two forms that are often resistant to conventional treatment.

These tiny engineered particles act as smart delivery systems, carrying drugs directly to cancer cells while sparing healthy tissue. She is studying how these nanoparticles interact with the immune system, including their roles in inflammation, immune activation, and tumour microenvironment response, to ensure safety and improve therapeutic benefit. Among this year’s key outcomes, strengthened by FECRI’s unique patient sample database, excellent institutional clinical expertise and FECRI’s strong cancer biology and immunology foundations, we are finding that altering the formulation chemistry of these nanoparticles can significantly change their biological impact: an important step toward fine-tuning how they behave in the body. Results from this research have been featured in leading American Chemical Society publications, highlighting advances in the biological and medical applications of materials and interfaces.

In recognition of this progress, Dr Poddar was invited to speak at the International Conference on Nano-science and Nanotechnology in Sydney, February 2026, sharing FECRI’s insights into how nanoparticles could transform future cancer treatments.

The next phase will focus on the next immediate goals: explore how specific nanoparticle types influence epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT–MET) processes in cancer cells, a key mechanism driving tumour progression and metastasis, and continue scaling up production for translational studies. This work will also test combination therapies that unite precision drug delivery with immune-based treatment strategies, bringing us closer to safer, more effective clinical applications for patients.”