Revolutionary Robotics and Technology Revolutionize Brain Cancer Treatment at UF Scripps Institute in Jupiter
Groundbreaking research targeting the treatment of glioblastoma, a dangerous form of brain cancer, is taking place at the UF Scripps Institute for Biomedical Innovation and Technology in Jupiter, Florida. Collaborating with researchers at the Marcus Neuroscience Institute at Baptist Health Boca Raton Regional Hospital, the team is utilizing state-of-the-art robotics and sample screening technologies to identify the most-effective therapies for specific patients.
Glioblastoma is an aggressive cancer with a low survival rate, especially for individuals aged 45 or older, with just 5% surviving beyond five years. However, the research conducted by the team at UF Scripps offers hope for improved treatment outcomes. By rapidly and precisely testing the effects of dozens of drugs on a patient’s glioblastoma, the team aims to determine the most successful therapies.
Using advanced robotics, the researchers can quickly analyze how different drugs affect specific tumors. By introducing minute samples of the tumor into a machine that tests them against 128 known cancer-treatment drugs, the team can evaluate the drug’s effects in combination or on their own. This innovative technology has significantly reduced the discovery window to approximately six weeks, allowing patients to undergo initial rounds of chemotherapy and high-dose radiation while waiting for personalized treatment options.
The Wertheim UF Scripps Institute and its collaboration with Boca Regional, alongside four other institutions, are pioneering the identification of potentially effective drugs at an unprecedented speed. As part of the research process, patients diagnosed with glioblastoma at Boca Regional are informed of the program and are given the opportunity to participate by providing samples of their tumors.
The collaboration between UF and Scripps has proved to be highly beneficial for both institutions, elevating the research being conducted at the UF Scripps Institute. This partnership has also been recognized by the National Cancer Institute, which awarded the UF Health Cancer Center, including the Jupiter research facility, with a prestigious designation. This distinction opens doors for increased grant funding and further partnerships.
Aside from the work on glioblastoma, the research team has also made significant strides in understanding the complexities of other diseases. For instance, their research indicates that glioblastoma may utilize specific mutations to evade the body’s immune system, potentially leading to the development of new immunotherapy drugs for treating the disease.
Additionally, the research facilities at UF Scripps are playing a crucial role in preparing for future pandemics. In response to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the National Institutes of Health prioritized research on developing better preparedness strategies. The institute received grants from the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Disease, totaling over $15 million, to aid in the creation of the next generation of pandemic-preventing drugs.
Using their robotic arm and high-throughput screening technology, the researchers aim to screen every compound in the institute’s vast collection to identify the most effective drugs for combating various viruses. With its cutting-edge research capabilities, the Wertheim UF Scripps Institute is now regarded as the epicenter of the nation’s preparedness for future pandemics.
Moving forward, the institute plans to expand its research by incorporating more and more samples to accelerate the discovery of personalized treatments. The ultimate goal is to provide targeted and efficient cancer treatments, revolutionizing the approach to tackling diseases like glioblastoma.
The remarkable research being conducted at the UF Scripps Institute offers hope and the potential for significant advancements in the treatment of glioblastoma and other diseases. By combining robotics, sample screening technologies, and expertise in drug discovery, the institute is at the forefront of medical innovation.
