Russian scientists unveil nanocarrier cancer treatment tenfold more effective than chemotherapy

Russian researchers have created a new drug‑delivery method that uses biodegradable nanocontainers to transport the chemotherapy agent doxorubicin directly into tumor tissue. The nanocarriers, based on metal‑organic frameworks, dissolve in the bloodstream within 30–60 minutes after release of phosphate ions, releasing a high concentration of the drug at the tumor site while sparing healthy cells.

The approach was presented by Sergey Deev, academician of the Russian Academy of Sciences and lead investigator at the State Central Scientific Center Institute for Bioorganic Chemistry. In animal experiments, the system proved about ten times more efficient than conventional doxorubicin chemotherapy, demonstrated on a model of early lung‑metastatic melanoma.

If confirmed in further studies, the technology could markedly improve cancer treatment outcomes by increasing drug efficacy and reducing side effects.