INNOVATIVE ANTICANCER STRATEGIES BASED ON LIQUID BIOPSY AND MOLECULAR DESIGN

Recent advancements in cancer research have led to significant breakthroughs in targeted therapies, immunotherapies, and diagnostic methods. Understanding the molecular biology of tumors has illuminated the mechanisms driving uncontrolled cell proliferation, metastasis, and drug resistance. Despite these achievements, cancer remains a leading global cause of mortality, underscoring the urgent need for more effective early detection and personalized treatment strategies. The complexity and heterogeneity of tumors present formidable challenges; intratumor heterogeneity can lead to treatment resistance and recurrence. Traditional diagnostic methods like tissue biopsy are often invasive and limited in monitoring disease progression. In contrast, liquid biopsy has emerged as a promising approach, enabling real-time molecular profiling of tumors from blood or other fluids. This non-invasive method allows dynamic monitoring of tumor evolution and mutation dynamics during treatment, potentially revolutionizing oncological diagnostics. At the same time, research into G-quadruplex G-quadruplex DNA structures associated with oncogenes has opened new paths for targeted therapies. These non-canonical DNA structures are prevalent in gene promoters linked to cell proliferation, making them attractive targets for anticancer treatments. Integrating large-scale liquid biopsy with therapies targeting DNA structures like duplex and G-quadruplex represents a promising strategy to overcome current cancer treatment limitations. This PhD thesis is dedicated to the developing of advancing cancer diagnostics and therapy through two primary research focuses. Firstly, it involves the development of graphene-based MAGnetic Units (MAGU) conjugated with specific antibodies. These units are designed to selectively capture circulating biomarkers thereby enabling precise and non-invasive detection of cancer-related molecules in bodily fluids. Secondly, the research delves into the exploration of novel G-quadruplex DNA stabilizers using computational methods. These stabilizers are crucial for understanding and manipulating DNA structures within tumors, aiming to uncover molecular vulnerabilities unique to each patient's cancer. Despite the challenges posed by the need to standardize liquid biopsy techniques and fully comprehend the dynamics of DNA structures in tumors, this innovative approach holds immense promise. By targeting personalized molecular signatures of tumors, it seeks to revolutionize cancer treatment strategies. This personalized approach not only enhances treatment efficacy but also opens avenues for tailoring therapies to individual patients, thereby potentially transforming cancer diagnosis and therapy into a new era of precision medicine.