Varatharasa Thiviyanathan, PhD
University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston
Multi-functional RNA Nanoparticles for targeted Delivery of Therapeutics for Ovarian Cancer
Since majority of the ovarian cancer cases are detected at later stages, novel therapeutic approaches are critically needed to improve the overall survival rates. Targeted delivery of therapeutics where drugs can be delivered specifically to the cancer cells without causing damage to normal cells is a promising approach to treat ovarian cancer. Dr. Thiviyanathan will develop a new class of affinity molecules that can recognize the cancer cells. He will use multifunctional nanoparticles made up of RNA to attach the affinity molecules to act as homing devices to deliver the therapeutic drugs to the cancer cells.