ગુજરાતી
English
March 12, 2025
Researchers from four universities in Gujarat, including M.S. University of Vadodara, and one university in Karnataka have jointly developed a machine for nano-particle drug delivery for cancer treatment. The design of this machine has been granted a patent by the Government of India’s Patent Office.
As part of cancer treatment, patients are given chemotherapy, which not only destroys cancer cells but also harms healthy cells in the body, as the drug spreads throughout the body. This causes widespread side effects of chemotherapy. The researchers claim that the machine they are developing will reduce chemotherapy’s side effects by approximately 25%.
Dr. Vishwajeet Chavda, a former Ph.D. scholar at M.S. University and a member of the research team, explained, “The machine we have designed is called a ‘Targeted pH Sensitive Drug Delivery System’. When the chemotherapy drug is administered to the patient, the machine will balance the pH (Potential of Hydrogen) levels. Normally, the pH value of healthy cells is 7.4, while cancerous cells have a pH value of 6.5. This means the drug will target only the cancerous cells and protect healthy cells from the side effects.”
He further mentioned, “Now that we have received the patent for the design, we will work on further developing the machine. We hope this system will prove to be revolutionary in cancer treatment.”
Research Team:
- Mansi Gandhi, Gujarat Technological University
- Dr. Vishwajeet Chavda, Former Ph.D. Scholar, Applied Chemistry, M.S. University
- Prof. Dr. Pranav Srivastav, Gujarat University, Chemistry Department
- Dr. Priyanka Shah, National Forensic Science University, Dharwad
- Dr. Vaishali Sandeepkumar Suthar, Applied Chemistry, M.S. University
- Naveen Chaudhary, Applied Physics, M.S. University
What is Chemotherapy?
Chemotherapy is a treatment that uses drugs to destroy cancer cells, which are delivered through the bloodstream or in the form of tablets.
What are the Side Effects of Chemotherapy?
The side effects of chemotherapy have significantly reduced compared to earlier times, primarily for two reasons — better quality drugs and the expertise of medical oncologists. However, some side effects may occur between two chemotherapy doses, such as fatigue, body aches, taste changes, nausea or vomiting, constipation or diarrhea, fever, decreased appetite, and hair loss. Most of these side effects are common and temporary.
Who Can Administer Chemotherapy?
Chemotherapy may seem like a simple procedure, but it requires careful planning and administration. The trained nurses administer the chemotherapy drugs by mixing them in a bottle and injecting them into the patient’s vein. However, determining which chemotherapy drug, in what dosage, when, and how it should be given, along with which other medications should be administered before or after chemotherapy to enhance effectiveness and reduce side effects, is solely the responsibility of a specialist medical oncologist. A medical oncologist is a doctor who specializes in administering chemotherapy, hormone therapy, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy.
What are the Different Types of Chemotherapy?
- Neo-Adjuvant – To shrink the cancerous mass before surgery and ensure successful operation.
- Adjuvant – To prevent the recurrence of cancer after surgery.
- Concurrent – To shrink the mass or make it operable in combination with radiation (X-ray).
- Palliative – To relieve pain and increase lifespan in end-stage cancer.
How is Chemotherapy Given?
- Intravenous (IV) – The chemotherapy is administered by injecting it into the patient’s vein through a bottle.
- Oral – Some types of cancer may be treated with chemotherapy in the form of pills.
- Subcutaneous – Given through injections under the skin.
What is the Chemotherapy Schedule?
Chemotherapy is generally administered every week (7 days), every two weeks (14 days), every three weeks (21 days), or every four weeks (28 days). This schedule is determined by the treating doctor based on the patient’s type of cancer and overall fitness.
How Long Does Chemotherapy Take?
- Day Care Chemotherapy – This can take anywhere from half an hour to 8-10 hours.
- Indoor Chemotherapy – This can be administered over 24 hours or longer.
Tests Before Treatment:
These tests are conducted on the day of chemotherapy or one day before, such as blood tests, 2D Echo, and urine tests, to ensure that the patient is fit for that day’s chemotherapy.
