Nanodelivery Systems and Devices Branch
Mission
The mission of the Nanodelivery Systems and Devices Branch is to strategically develop, fund, and administer initiatives aimed at solving cancer biology and oncology problems with nanotechnology solutions. The overarching goal of these initiatives is to develop innovative nanotechnologies for cancer prevention, diagnosis, control, and treatment, ranging from discovery through clinical translation.
Contact
Nanodelivery Systems and Devices Branch
Cancer Imaging Program
National Cancer Institute
Division of Cancer Treatment and Diagnosis
9609 Medical Center Drive
Bethesda, MD 20892-9725
NCI Press Officers
Phone: 240-760-6600
Fax: 301-451-7440
Email: ncipressofficers@mail.nih.gov
Staff
Piotr Grodzinski, Ph.D.
Dr. Grodzinski is Chief of the NSDB and coordinates program and research activities of the Alliance for Nanotechnology in Cancer.
Leela Rani Avula, Ph.D.
Dr. Avula is a Program Director in NSDB and manages the nanotechnology research projects and grants across the portfolio. She participates in the development of and leads several synergistic funding initiatives across the NCI and NIH.
Yicong Wu, Ph.D.
Dr. Wu is a Program Director in NSDB and manages grants focused on nanotechnology and diagnostic imaging. He collaborates with other NCI divisions and centers to develop new initiatives.
Funded Research
Biological processes, including ones necessary for life and those that lead to cancer, occur at the nanoscale. Thus, in fact, we are composed of a multitude of biological nano-machines. Nanotechnology provides researchers with the opportunity to study and manipulate macromolecules in real time and during the earliest stages of cancer progression. Nanotechnology can provide rapid and sensitive detection of cancer-related molecules, enabling scientists to detect molecular changes even when they occur only in a small percentage of cells. Nanotechnology also has the potential to generate entirely novel and highly effective therapeutic agents.
NCI Alliance for Nanotechnology in Cancer
Launched in 2004, the NCI Alliance for Nanotechnology in Cancer program is a comprehensive, structured effort, encompassing the public and private sector to converge multidisciplinary research in nanotechnology to advance the fight against cancer. A key pathway from laboratory innovation to clinical application lies in the commercialization of intellectual property, which has been central to the translational success of Alliance investigators. Over the years, many investigators in the Alliance have matured their technologies to the clinic, forming over 100 start-up companies and partnerships with existing biotechnology firms. Many of these ventures have thrived, now offering products, research resources, and consulting services to academic and clinical communities.
Data Sharing
A well-organized, collaborative system of data sharing is critical in the translation of nanotechnology research into commercially viable therapeutics and diagnostics to treat patients.
Cancer Nanotechnology Plan
The NCI periodically issues a Cancer Nanotechnology Plan (CaNanoPlan)—a strategic document developed in consultation with academic and industry investigators to chart future directions for cancer nanotechnology and oncology NCI published three CaNanoPlans in 2005, 2010, and 2015 so far.