S-CAP NPs

S-CAP NPs (self-assembling cationic-anionic polymer nanoparticles) are an experimental drug delivery platform designed for the targeted treatment of pancreatic cancer. Developed by researchers at Western University of Health Sciences, these nanoparticles are composed of a chitosan and bovine serum albumin (BSA) matrix. They are engineered to encapsulate chemotherapeutic agents and provide sustained drug release over approximately 60 hours. A key feature of S-CAP NPs is their responsiveness to Tumor Treating Fields (TTFields); the application of these non-invasive electric fields destabilizes the nanoparticle structure, triggering localized drug release specifically at the tumor site. This approach aims to enhance the therapeutic index of combination therapies involving TTFields and chemotherapy by improving tumor-specific uptake and reducing systemic adverse effects. Preclinical studies have demonstrated preferential uptake by pancreatic cancer cells via passive diffusion and a favorable safety profile in animal models.

Other names

self-assembling cationic-anionic polymer nanoparticleschitosan-bovine serum albumin S-CAP NPs