By virtue of their inability to repair a specific form of DNA damage, persons with Fanconi Anemia (FA) are appreciably more susceptible to development of certain cancers. Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC), which arises from the lining cells of the mouth, occurs at >500 fold higher incidence in individuals with FA. Standard OSCC risk factors i.e. tobacco and alcohol initiate precancerous lesions and OSCC in specific carcinogen pooling areas like the floor of the mouth and the side of the tongue. For persons with FA, however, virtually every site in their mouths is at high risk for OSCC development. To address this need, FA OSCC prevention needs to provide field coverage throughout the entire mouth. A small particle capable of delivering two cancer preventing agents simultaneously (Janus nanoparticle) is well-suited for delivery of chemopreventives throughout the entire oral cavity. The purpose of this study is to optimize the nanoparticles size, shape and charge to enhance uptake by the target surface oral cavity lining cells.
Health Care Benefits for Persons with FA: For persons with Fanconi Anemia, development of oral cancer is a significant risk. A strategy to provide cancer preventing agents throughout the entire mouth without side effects has the potential to improve both quality and duration of life for persons with FA.