Publications by authors named "Robert B Vachieri"

Article Synopsis
  • The study focuses on an innovative thermosensitive quadpolymer designed for injection to deliver anti-fibrotic drugs, specifically targeting uterine fibroids while potentially preserving fertility.
  • The quadpolymer functions as an injectable solution at room temperature and transforms into a stable gel at body temperature, allowing for sustained release of the drug pirfenidone.
  • Results showed that the pirfenidone-loaded quadpolymer effectively inhibited fibroid cell proliferation, indicating its potential as a localized treatment option for uterine fibroid therapy.
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Extracellular matrix (ECM) rigidity has been shown to increase the invasive properties of breast cancer cells, promoting transformation and metastasis through mechanotransduction. Reducing ECM stiffness enzymatic digestion could be a promising approach to slowing breast cancer development by de-differentiation of breast cancer cells to less aggressive phenotypes and enhancing the effectiveness of existing chemotherapeutics improved drug penetrance throughout the tumor. In this study, we examine the effects of injectable liberase (a blend of collagenase and thermolysin enzymes) treatments on the linear and nonlinear rheology of allograft 4T1 mouse mammary tumors.

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Uterine fibroids are stiff, benign tumors containing excessive, disordered collagens that occur in 70-80% of women before age 50 and cause bleeding and pain. Collagenase Clostridium histolyticum (CCH) is a bacterial enzyme capable of digesting the collagens present in fibroids. By combining CCH with injectable drug delivery systems to enhance effectiveness, a new class of treatments could be developed to reduce the stiffness of fibroids, preventing the need for surgical removal and preserving fertility.

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