This research investigates polyploid giant cancer cells, a highly treatment-resistant population responsible for cancer relapse. By studying their structural biology and dependence on lipid metabolism, the work identifies metabolic vulnerabilities that can be targeted alongside chemotherapy, offering a promising strategy to eliminate resistant cancer cells and improve long-term treatment outcomes.

This research develops hybrid lipo-polymeric nanoparticles that overcome major limitations of current mRNA vaccine technology. The particles can be freeze-dried, rapidly loaded with mRNA, and simultaneously deliver therapeutic drugs. Their flexibility improves vaccine storage and distribution while enabling powerful combination therapies, including enhanced cancer treatments with improved survival in preclinical models.

This research develops “nanozymes,” nanoparticle-based catalysts that activate cancer drugs directly at tumor sites. Instead of carrying large amounts of chemotherapy drugs, nanozymes locally trigger inactive drugs into their active form only within cancer tissue. Early mouse studies show effective tumor destruction with significantly reduced side effects compared to conventional chemotherapy.

This research develops nanoscale “smart package” delivery systems for PROTAC cancer drugs. Antibody nanogel conjugates selectively target cancer cells, enter them, and release therapeutic molecules while minimizing exposure to healthy tissue. The approach improves delivery efficiency and aims to reduce the severe side effects that often limit cancer treatment.

This research develops targeted radiopharmaceutical therapies for HER2-positive cancers. By attaching radioactive isotopes to trastuzumab, treatment delivers precise radiation to cancer cells, overcoming drug resistance. The work includes creating practical drug kits and aims to improve cancer outcomes by replacing non-specific therapies with highly accurate, targeted interventions.

This research explores an injectable, thermosensitive hydrogel to deliver plant-based anticancer drugs for cervical cancer. By stabilizing phytochemicals and enabling localized, controlled release, the hydrogel significantly improves tumor cell killing while reducing side effects, offering a more patient-centered and effective treatment strategy.

Cancer cells survive extreme oxidative stress by importing lipoproteins that deliver vitamin E, a powerful antioxidant. This creates a fire-resistant shield that prevents ferroptotic cell death. Blocking vitamin E delivery or lipoprotein uptake removes this protection, revealing a new vulnerability that could influence tumor growth and treatment response.

This research examines how macrophages shift between tumor-fighting and tumor-supporting roles in breast cancer. By identifying signals in the tumor microenvironment and engineering molecular cues to promote tumor-destroying behavior, the work aims to reprogram immune responses and improve therapeutic outcomes for breast cancer patients.

The speaker develops RADARS, a programmable RNA-guided gene-delivery system that activates only in cells with specific RNA “fingerprints.” Their thesis tackles weak activation when target RNA is rare, creating new mechanisms to bind targets more tightly. These innovations aim to enable safer, cell-specific cancer therapies through precise molecular control.

My research investigates tiny particles released by metastatic cancer cells—messengers that help cancer hide from the immune system. By capturing and analysing these particles, the study aims to uncover how they evade detection and to develop new strategies that “teach” the immune system to recognise and neutralise them, leading to safer, more effective cancer therapies.