Irish Scientists Showcase Cutting-Edge Cancer Nanomedicine and Targeted Therapies at Breakthrough Cancer Exhibition

Professor Silvia Giordani and her research group are pioneering advances in nanomedicine through the design and development of carbon-based nanoparticles for targeted drug delivery in cancer treatment. These nanoscale systems are engineered to transport chemotherapy drugs directly to cancer cells, improving treatment effectiveness while reducing harm to healthy tissue.

The Giordani group’s exhibit demonstrates how nanomaterials can be tailored to interact with cancer cells at the molecular level. Supported by Breakthrough Cancer Research and funded by the Research Ireland Enterprise Fellowship Programme, their work highlights how fundamental science can transform into life-changing medical innovation.

Alongside them, Dr Neil Conlon and his Breast and Gynaecological Oncology Targeted Therapies group are showcasing research into new treatments for difficult-to-treat cancers. “We grow cancer cells in the lab like mini-tumours to understand how cancers grow and respond to drugs,” Dr Conlon explains. Their research focuses on Antibody-Drug Conjugates (ADCs), known as “smart medicines,” that deliver chemotherapy directly to cancer cells, and explores the repurposing of existing drugs to combat aggressive cancers. “Our goal is to identify the most promising new therapies for patients,” he adds.

Members of both groups are also engaging directly with visitors at the exhibition, discussing their scientific journeys and explaining how public interest helps guide future research directions.

The Breakthrough Cancer Exhibition, originally developed by the UK’s Science Museum Group and adapted for Ireland by Breakthrough Cancer Research, presents the story of cancer from its earliest understanding to modern breakthroughs and future innovations. By combining cutting-edge research with public engagement, the exhibition celebrates Ireland’s growing contribution to global cancer research and the scientists leading the charge toward more precise, compassionate treatments.

Read the full article for more on Ireland’s role in advancing cancer innovation.