Abstract
We present a novel therapeutic paradigm for cancer treatment that synergistically integrates CRISPR-Cas9 genetic engineering with dual-responsive nanotechnology. Inspired by Peto's Paradox, we developed "hypertumors" - patient-derived cancer cells genetically modified to be non-proliferative while producing anti-angiogenic factors. These cells were engineered using CRISPR-Cas9 to knock out MYC, CDK4/6 genes and express thrombospondin-1 and soluble VEGF receptors. The hypertumors were integrated into PLGA-gold Nano shell carriers with cancer-targeting ligands and a dual-responsive release system triggered by tumor microenvironment acidity (pH ~6.5) and matrix metalloproteinases.
This dual-trigger approach ensures maximum precision, requiring both pH and enzyme conditions for hypertumors deployment. Our computational simulations demonstrated 92% CRISPR editing efficiency and functional hypertumors creation. The nanocarriers (420±35nm) achieved 78% hypertumor loading efficiency, 83% binding to EGFR-positive cancer cells, and precisely controlled release kinetics. Computational modeling showed 79% reduction in angiogenesis and 76% decrease in tumor spheroid volume. Predictive models project 65-70% tumor reduction after 28 days. While tested only through in silico methodologies thus far, this platform combines the specificity of genetic engineering with precise nanotechnology delivery, offering a potentially transformative approach for personalized cancer treatment.
Keywords
- CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing
- Hypertumor engineering
- Dual-responsive nanotechnology
- Vascular-disrupting therapeutics
- Biomimetic cancer treatment
- Targeted drug delivery systems.