Abstract: Described herein are chemoembolic compositions and agents. The compositions include one or more anti-cancer agents and a silk-elastinlike protein polymer, wherein the compositions are liquids prior to administration to a subject but convert to hydrogels upon administration to the subject. Administration of the Chemoembolic compositions to tumor and/or tumor vasculature in a subject having cancer can result in reduced or inhibited blood flow to the tumor as well as localized, sustained release of the anti-cancer agent in the vicinity of the tumor. Reduction in blood flow, in turn, results in a reduction of tumor volume and/or inhibition of tumor growth, while localized release of the anti-cancer agent results in reduced systemic effects and lower overall toxicity of treatment with the compositions.

Abstract: Described herein are chemoembolic compositions and agents. The compositions include one or more anti-cancer agents and a silk-elastinlike protein polymer, wherein the compositions are liquids prior to administration to a subject but convert to hydrogels upon administration to the subject. Administration of the chemoembolic compositions to tumor and/or tumor vasculature in a subject having cancer can result in reduced or inhibited blood flow to the tumor as well as localized, sustained release of the anti-cancer agent in the vicinity of the tumor. Reduction in blood flow, in turn, results in a reduction of tumor volume and/or inhibition of tumor growth, while localized release of the anti-cancer agent results in reduced systemic effects and lower overall toxicity of treatment with the compositions.

Abstract: Described herein are chemoembolic compositions and agents. The compositions include one or more anti-cancer agents and a silk-elastinlike protein polymer, wherein the compositions are liquids prior to administration to a subject but convert to hydrogels upon administration to the subject. Administration of the chemoembolic compositions to tumor and/or tumor vasculature in a subject having cancer can result in reduced or inhibited blood flow to the tumor as well as localized, sustained release of the anti-cancer agent in the vicinity of the tumor. Reduction in blood flow, in turn, results in a reduction of tumor volume and/or inhibition of tumor growth, while localized release of the anti-cancer agent results in reduced systemic effects and lower overall toxicity of treatment with the compositions.

Abstract: Described herein are methods for delivering an anti-cancer agent to a tumor in a subject. The method involves administering to the subject (i) gold particles and (ii) at least one-anti-cancer agent directly or indirectly bonded to the macromolecule and/or unbound to the macromolecule; and exposing the tumor to light for a sufficient time and wavelength in order for the gold particles to achieve surface plasmon resonance and heating the tumor.

Abstract: Described herein are anti-cancer compounds composed of a macromolecule comprising (1) at least one anti-cancer agent directly or indirectly bonded to the macromolecule and (2) at least one high Z element directly or indirectly bonded to the macromolecule that is capable of producing Auger electrons upon exposure to X-ray energy. When the compounds are exposed to low energy X-ray (e.g., kilo electron volts KeV) Auger electrons are produced by the high Z elements present in the compound. Because lower energy is required when compared to typical radiotherapy, which uses therapeutic X-ray energy in the million electron volt range (MeV), the subject experiences lower collateral damage when compared to radiation therapy. Additionally, the presence of the anti-cancer agent provides a second mechanism for killing cancer cells. Methods for making and using the anti-cancer compounds are also described herein.

Abstract: Described herein are methods for delivering an anti-cancer agent to a tumor in a subject. The method involves administering to the subject (i) gold particles and (ii) at least one-anti-cancer agent directly or indirectly bonded to the macromolecule and/or unbound to the macromolecule; and exposing the tumor to light for a sufficient time and wavelength in order for the gold particles to achieve surface plasmon resonance and heating the tumor.

Abstract: Described herein are methods for delivering an anti-cancer agent to a tumor in a subject. The method involves administering to the subject (i) gold particles and (ii) at least one-anti-cancer agent directly or indirectly bonded to the macromolecule and/or unbound to the macromolecule; and exposing the tumor to light for a sufficient time and wavelength in order for the gold particles to achieve surface plasmon resonance and heating the tumor.

Abstract: Described herein are nanoparticles produced from recombinant polymers. The nanoparticles are substantially uniform in size, which provides numerous advantages with respect to the delivery of bioactive agents to a subject. Methods for making the nanoparticles are also described herein. In one aspect, the nanoparticles are produced by the method comprising: a. providing a solution comprising one or more recombinant polymer in a solvent; b. forming droplets comprising the one or more recombinant polymers and the solvent; c. removing the solvent to produce the nanoparticles; and d. separating the nanoparticles based on size to produce nanoparticles that are substantially uniform in size. Finally, pharmaceutical compositions composed of the nanoparticles and methods of using the same are also described.

Abstract: Described herein are gold particles that can be used to reduce tumor proliferation and treat cancer. In certain aspects, the gold particles can be modified in order to enhance selectivity and uptake of the particles by cancer cells. In certain aspects, the modified gold particles have a targeting group attached to the particle via a linker. The gold particles described herein can be used in combination with other anti-cancer agents in order to enhance overall cancer treatment. Methods for making and using the gold particles are also described herein.