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As the , breast cancer affects millions of people every year. Research into the risk factors around the disease, as well as potential treatments, offers hope for individuals around the world and is being pursued by industry and academia alike. 

The University of Bahrain (UoB) has been looking into ways that nanotechnology can be applied to breast cancer treatment. Adnan Bekhit, professor of pharmacy at UoB and co-founder of Egypt’s Cancer Nanotechnology Research Laboratory, takes a collaborative approach to research and the innovative insights being generated.

Bekhit’s research interests are diverse, focusing primarily on medicinal chemistry, nanotechnology and drug delivery systems. His recent publications reflect a commitment to advancing therapeutic strategies, particularly in cancer treatment and infectious diseases. His notable works include innovative studies on engineered nanomaterials for cancer therapy and the development of novel compounds targeting inflammation, leishmaniasis and malaria.

“Our approach involves designing nanoparticles and nanomicelles to enhance the efficacy and reduce the toxicity of anti-cancer agents,” explains Bekhit. “Nanotechnology is a complex field that requires sophisticated tools for characterisation and screening. We leverage both local and international collaborations to overcome these challenges.”

As Bekhit notes, collaboration is at the heart of his work, whether through the exchange of ideas or sharing cutting-edge equipment. “Through collaboration with Alexandria University in Egypt, we share essential tools for nanoparticle identification and characterisation, such as a Zetasizer, transmission electron microscope and confocal electron microscope,” says Bekhit.

Some of Bekhit’s most fruitful collaborations take place with his former students and other institutions in Egypt. “I also engage with young researchers in Bahrain, providing lectures on preparing nanoparticles and nanomicelles to enhance the efficacy of breast cancer treatments,” he continues. “I also have an important collaboration with Harvard University’s Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering, which provides access to innovative methodologies and technologies for evaluating our projects.”

Thus far, the research being conducted by Bekhit and his team has yielded promising results. For instance, it has led to the successful design of nanoparticles and nanomicelles that leverage the synergistic effect of combining two or more anti-cancer agents. This has led to significantly reduced tumour volume in animal trials.

“We’ve also utilised computational design and analyses to understand the mechanistic pathways by which our nanomicelles, loaded with anti-cancer agents, inhibit the signalling pathways that drive cancer progression,” Bekhit says. “These promising developments point the way towards innovative new treatments that will hopefully result in far higher breast cancer survival rates.”

Looking to the future, there is hope that Bekhit’s academic work on nanotechnology will drive improvements in care for breast cancer patients, working alongside other researchers, healthcare providers and regulators. “By thoroughly understanding the bioavailability, pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of our nanoparticle formulations, we plan to initiate discussions with regulatory bodies, institutions and industry partners to pave the way for clinical trials.”

With the input of various stakeholders, there is justified optimism that better outcomes can be delivered for breast cancer sufferers around the world. “Our work involving nanotechnology, whether we’re fine-tuning the physicochemical properties of our nanocarrier or exploring combination therapies, holds significant promise for tackling complex and resistant cancers,” Bekhit explains. “Our aim is to build a strong local team here in Bahrain to further advance this vital research.”