UPWr PhD student is repurposing drugs to combat cancer

Cancer, a pervasive global health issue, continues to claim millions of lives each year. According to a World Health Organization's (WHO) report, by 2040, cancer cases are projected to exceed 28 million, with 16 million fatalities annually.

Despite extensive research and numerous efforts by global research centers, effective solutions to combat cancer remain elusive. Vaikunthavasan Thiruchenthooran, a PhD student at the Wrocław University of Environmental and Life Sciences in Poland, is committed to changing this narrative.

Thiruchenthooran's journey into cancer research began with a significant influence from Prof. Anna Gliszczyńska, who proposed focusing his doctoral thesis on identifying agents with anti-cancer and chemopreventive properties derived from well-known anti-inflammatory drugs. This suggestion resonated deeply with him, igniting his passion for the project. – Each stage of the research has only increased my enthusiasm and dedication to the project – he explains. 

Scientific journey from Sri Lanka to Poland

Originally from Sri Lanka, Thiruchenthooran holds a Bachelor's degree in Biotechnology and a Master's degree in Experimental Biotechnology. His early research focused on insect-borne diseases, resulting in six co-authored scientific publications. However, his interest soon shifted towards more innovative solutions for treating diseases.

Eager to pursue a doctoral degree in Biotechnology, Thiruchenthooran began searching for potential PhD supervisors whose research aligned with his interests. His search led him to Prof. Gliszczyńska, a prolific researcher with over 150 scientific publications at the time. Her work on innovative solutions for civilization diseases, combining natural product chemistry, biocatalysis, and nanotechnology, was exactly what he was looking for.

– Our collaboration started positively, with Prof. Gliszczyńska offering me a project focused on repurposing well-known drugs for cancer treatment – says Thiruchenthooran, who developed nanotechnology systems to deliver selected anti-inflammatory drugs to cancer cells. He also created hybrids of these drugs with phospholipids, encapsulating them into lipid nanoformulations to reduce side effects and enhance delivery to cancer cells. Under Prof. Gliszczyńska's guidance, Thiruchenthooran has published two scientific articles as the first author, with more papers under review and preparation, and he has participated in several conferences and internships abroad.

Repurposing known drugs for cancer therapy

Thiruchenthooran's PhD research at UPWr centers on two well-known anti-inflammatory drugs: indomethacin and dexibuprofen. These drugs, commonly available over-the-counter, have demonstrated anti-tumoral activity since the 1970s. However, despite decades of research, their effectiveness as cancer treatments is limited by significant side effects, particularly in the gastrointestinal tract.

To address these limitations, Thiruchenthooran's research employs nanotechnology to repurpose these drugs for cancer therapy. By conjugating the drugs with phospholipids and loading them into nanocarriers, he aims to reduce side effects and improve their efficacy in targeting cancer cells.

Societal impact of the research

– Developing new cancer therapies is an arduous process, often taking 10-17 years and costing around 8 million, with a success rate of less than 1%. Repurposing existing drugs with proven therapeutic efficacy offers a more efficient alternative. My research could significantly reduce the time and cost associated with developing new cancer treatments, ultimately lowering cancer-related mortality rates – explains the PhD student.

Thiruchenthooran's ultimate goal is to become a successful scientist dedicated to discovering innovative therapeutic solutions. He values scientific exchanges and international collaboration, which have enhanced his research skills, provided new ideas, and contributed to his PhD thesis and publications.

Beyond his research, Thiruchenthooran enjoys life in Wrocław, describing it as a vibrant city filled with students, parties, and entertainment. – It’s a joyful place to live in Europe – he says, appreciating the city's lively atmosphere and its conducive environment for both academic and personal growth.

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