About

Vladimir P. Torchilin is a University Distinguished Professor of Pharmaceutical Sciences and the Director of the Center for Pharmaceutical Biotechnology and Nanomedicine at Northeastern University College of Engineering. His research focuses on drug delivery and targeting, pharmaceutical biotechnology, experimental cancer immunology, nanomedicine, pharmaceutical carriers, liposomes, micelles, dendrimers as pharmaceutical carriers, and co-delivery of siRNA and chemotherapeutics for multidrug resistant cancer, as well as hypoxia-mediated drug delivery. He has made significant contributions to the development of pharmaceutical nanocarriers, controlled drug and gene delivery, drug targeting, intracellular targeting, and cancer immunology, and has been involved in training young researchers in these areas.

Research topics

• Cancer research
• Internal medicine
• Medicine
• Materials science
• Biology
• Physics
• Mechanics
• Cell biology
• Nanotechnology
• Chemistry
• Pharmacology
• Pathology

Selected publications

• Hybrid micellar preparations for co-delivery of PARP-1 siRNA and quercetin for cataract treatment

  Journal of Controlled Release · 2025-04-06 · 3 citations

  articleSenior author
  PublisherDOI

• Neutrophil extracellular traps: Formation, pathological roles, and nanoparticle-based therapeutic targeting strategies

  Journal of Controlled Release · 2025-09-11 · 8 citations

  articleOpen accessSenior author

  Neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) are large, web-like DNA structures released by neutrophils, coated with histones and antimicrobial proteins. They serve as a crucial defense mechanism for neutrophils against microbial invasion, playing a significant role in eliminating microorganisms such as bacteria, fungi, and viruses. While NETs are primarily recognized for their role in microbial defense, growing evidence indicates that excessive NET formation, triggered by physical and chemical stimuli, pathogens, or pathological factors, can worsen inflammation and cause organ damage. Understanding NETs' presence in various tissues and body fluids is crucial for elucidating their contribution to disease etiopathogenesis. By designing nanoparticles that can either prevent NET formation or facilitate their degradation, researchers aim to mitigate the harmful effects of excessive NETs. These nanotechnological interventions can be tailored to specifically target the molecular components of NETs, enhancing treatment precision and efficacy. Furthermore, nanoparticles can deliver therapeutic agents directly to inflammation sites, reducing systemic side effects and improving patient outcomes. This review summarizes the role of NETs in various pathologies, focusing on strategies to inhibit NETosis, including mechanisms of pathogen evasion, and the use of nanodelivery systems to enhance the efficiency of NETs inhibition or removal.

  PublisherDOI

• Enhanced Cytotoxicity of 5-Fluorouracil Against Skin Cancer Cell Lines and 3D Spheroid Tumor Model Using Solid Lipid Nanoparticles

  BioNanoScience · 2024-12-02 · 1 citations

  article
  PublisherDOI

• Recent strategies to overcome breast cancer resistance

  Critical Reviews in Oncology/Hematology · 2024-04-12 · 70 citations

  articleOpen accessSenior authorCorresponding

  Breast cancer is potentially a lethal disease and a leading cause of death in women. Chemotherapy and radiotherapy are the most frequently used treatment options. Drug resistance in advanced breast cancer limits the therapeutic output of treatment. The leading cause of resistance in breast cancer is endocrine and hormonal imbalance, particularly in triple negative and HER2 positive breast cancers. The efflux of drugs due to p-gp's activity is another leading cause of resistance. Breast cancer resistant protein also contributes significantly. Strategies used to combat resistance include the use of nanoparticles to target drug delivery by co-delivery of chemotherapeutic drugs and genes (siRNA and miRNA) that help to down-regulate genes causing resistance. The siRNA is specific and effectively silences p-gp and other proteins causing resistance. The use of chemosensitizers is also effective in overcoming resistance. Chemo-sensitizers sensitize cancer cells to the effects of chemotherapeutic drugs. Novel anti-neoplastic agents such as antibody-drug conjugates and mesenchymal stem cells are also effective tools used to improve the therapeutic response in breast cancer. Similarly, combination of photo/thermal ablation with chemotherapy can act to overcome breast cancer resistance. In this review, we focus on the mechanism of breast cancer resistance and the nanoparticle-based strategies used to combat resistance in breast cancer.

  PublisherDOI

• Advances in siRNA Drug Delivery Strategies for Targeted TNBC Therapy

  Bioengineering · 2024-08-14 · 19 citations

  reviewOpen accessSenior authorCorresponding

  Among breast cancers, triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) has been recognized as the most aggressive type with a poor prognosis and low survival rate. Targeted therapy for TNBC is challenging because it lacks estrogen receptor (ER), progesterone receptor (PR), and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2). Chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and surgery are the common therapies for TNBC. Although TNBC is prone to chemotherapy, drug resistance and recurrence are commonly associated with treatment failure. Combination therapy approaches using chemotherapy, mAbs, ADC, and antibody-siRNA conjugates may be effective in TNBC. Recent advances with siRNA-based therapy approaches are promising for TNBC therapy with better prognosis and reduced mortality. This review discusses advances in nanomaterial- and nanobiomaterial-based siRNA delivery platforms for TNBC therapy exploring targeted therapy approaches for major genes, proteins, and TFs upregulated in TNBC tumors, which engage in molecular pathways associated with low TNBC prognosis. Bioengineered siRNA drugs targeting one or several genes simultaneously can downregulate desired genes, significantly reducing disease progression.

  PublisherDOI

• Abstract B012: Developing applications for a new, fully automated, low-coherence, label free, time lapse holotomographic analysis platform-TomoCube HT-X1: Preparations for AI based analysis

  Cancer Research · 2024-02-01

  articleSenior author

  Abstract Our groups are involved in the development of multifunctional nanoparticles and combinations primarily for applications in cancer research is one aspect, we are developing multi-functional for better targeting of the cancer cells. An important part of our efforts is to visualize the effects of the compounds either by visualization, or by quantitative measurements such as the generated by flow cytometry and by laser scanning cytometry. Label free holographic imaging is a new technology that employs laser interference to calculate the refractive index of the pixels. Deconvolution routines create 3-dimensional holograms, and we have developed techniques for 4-dimensional imaging. In Holotomographic imaging there is either a rotating mirror (Nanolive), or a multi-mirror display module (Tomocube) We currently have a Program of Excellence Agreement with Tomocube and are serving as beta testers for their new HT-X1 system. This new instrument abandons laser illumination in favor of low coherence LED illumination. It is a large instrument designed for completely automated operation including autofocus and detector settings, has an automated stage, and is coupled to a high-performance environmental control system. The HT-X1 will have AI capabilities. Some applications. such as accurate cell segmentation and lipid enumeration have already been developed, but have not been released yet. We were told that if we develop our own truth sets, they will be able to process them for us. To illustrate the imaging capabilities, we will use an experiment based on repurposing of an anti-microbial rifamycin as a breast cancer therapeutic. Breast cancer cells were seeded into a 24 well microtiter plate and allowed to attach. Row A was untreated, Row B was treated with free rifamycin, and Row C was treated with liposomal rifamycin. Two-fold dilutions of the drugs were applied starting with column 2. Plates were incubated overnight and imaged on the HT-X1. This experiment showed that at the higher concentration levels, the free rifamycin precipitated leaving rod shaped crystals which presumably reduce its efficacy. The effects of the liposomal rifamycin on the cell morphology is striking. A complete set of the images will be included in the presentation. One of our areas of research is the brain cancer glioblastoma. In previous work using label free tomographic imaging and videography, we identified what we believe to be proto-stem cells, and we made the observation that they are closely associated with nucleoli. In follow-up experiments, we are using a combination of fluorescent dyes, Hoechst 33342 for DNA, Mito tracker green and mitosox red to observe the expression patterns of ROS appearing first in the nucleoli, then spreading to the nucleus, and eventually to the entire cell and the microenvironment. We know that nucleoli are generated from ribosomal proteins at the start of each cell cycle round and disassembled before exiting the G2 phase in a tightly orchestrated sequence. Our hope is that we will be able to further elucidate this using AI. Citation Format: Ed A. Luther, Nina Filipczak, Janaina Artem Ataide, Vladimir P. Torchilin. Developing applications for a new, fully automated, low-coherence, label free, time lapse holotomographic analysis platform-TomoCube HT-X1: Preparations for AI based analysis [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR Special Conference in Cancer Research: Translating Cancer Evolution and Data Science: The Next Frontier; 2023 Dec 3-6; Boston, Massachusetts. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2024;84(3 Suppl_2):Abstract nr B012.

  PublisherDOI

• Combined thermal ablation and liposomal granulocyte-macrophage colony stimulation factor increases immune cell trafficking in a small animal tumor model

  PLoS ONE · 2023-10-26 · 4 citations

  articleOpen access

  PURPOSE: To characterize intratumoral immune cell trafficking in ablated and synchronous tumors following combined radiofrequency ablation (RFA) and systemic liposomal granulocyte-macrophage colony stimulation factor (lip-GM-CSF). METHODS: Phase I, 72 rats with single subcutaneous R3230 adenocarcinoma were randomized to 6 groups: a) sham; b&c) free or liposomal GM-CSF alone; d) RFA alone; or e&f) combined with blank liposomes or lip-GM-CSF. Animals were sacrificed 3 and 7 days post-RFA. Outcomes included immunohistochemistry of dendritic cells (DCs), M1 and M2 macrophages, T-helper cells (Th1) (CD4+), cytotoxic T- lymphocytes (CTL) (CD8+), T-regulator cells (T-reg) (FoxP3+) and Fas Ligand activated CTLs (Fas-L+) in the periablational rim and untreated index tumor. M1/M2, CD4+/CD8+ and CD8+/FoxP3+ ratios were calculated. Phase II, 40 rats with double tumors were randomized to 4 groups: a) sham, b) RFA, c) RFA-BL and d) RFA-lip-GM-CSF. Synchronous untreated tumors collected at 7d were analyzed similarly. RESULTS: RFA-lip-GMCSF increased periablational M1, CTL and CD8+/FoxP3+ ratio at 3 and 7d, and activated CTLs 7d post-RFA (p<0.05). RFA-lip-GMSCF also increased M2, T-reg, and reduced CD4+/CD8+ 3 and 7d post-RFA respectively (p<0.05). In untreated index tumor, RFA-lip-GMCSF improved DCs, M1, CTLs and activated CTL 7d post-RFA (p<0.05). Furthermore, RFA-lip-GMSCF increased M2 at 3 and 7d, and T-reg 7d post-RFA (p<0.05). In synchronous tumors, RFA-BL and RFA-lip-GM-CSF improved DC, Th1 and CTL infiltration 7d post-RFA. CONCLUSION: Systemic liposomal GM-CSF combined with RFA improves intratumoral immune cell trafficking, specifically populations initiating (DC, M1) and executing (CTL, FasL+) anti-tumor immunity. Moreover, liposomes influence synchronous untreated metastases increasing Th1, CTL and DCs infiltration.

  PublisherOA PDFDOI

• Co-Encapsulation of Drugs for Topical Application—A Review

  Molecules · 2023-02-02 · 28 citations

  reviewOpen accessCorresponding

  Achieving the best possible outcome for the therapy is the main goal of a medicine. Therefore, nanocarriers and co-delivery strategies were invented to meet this need, as they can benefit many diseases. This approach was applied specifically for cancer treatment, with some success. However, these strategies may benefit many other clinical issues. Skin is the largest and most exposed organ of the human body, with physiological and psychological properties. Due to its exposition and importance, it is not difficult to understand how many skin diseases may impact on patients' lives, representing an important burden for society. Thus, this review aims to summarize the state of the art in research concerning nanocarriers and co-delivery strategies for topical agents' applications targeting skin diseases. The challenge for the medicine of the future is to deliver the drug with spatial and temporal control. Therefore, the co-encapsulation of drugs and the appropriate form of administration for them are so important and remain as unmet needs.

  PublisherOA PDFDOI

• Mechanisms of Resistance and Current Treatment Options for Glioblastoma Multiforme (GBM)

  Cancers · 2023-04-01 · 248 citations

  reviewOpen accessSenior authorCorresponding

  Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is a highly aggressive form of brain cancer that is difficult to treat due to its resistance to both radiation and chemotherapy. This resistance is largely due to the unique biology of GBM cells, which can evade the effects of conventional treatments through mechanisms such as increased resistance to cell death and rapid regeneration of cancerous cells. Additionally, the blood-brain barrier makes it difficult for chemotherapy drugs to reach GBM cells, leading to reduced effectiveness. Despite these challenges, there are several treatment options available for GBM. The standard of care for newly diagnosed GBM patients involves surgical resection followed by concurrent chemoradiotherapy and adjuvant chemotherapy. Emerging treatments include immunotherapy, such as checkpoint inhibitors, and targeted therapies, such as bevacizumab, that attempt to attack specific vulnerabilities in GBM cells. Another promising approach is the use of tumor-treating fields, a type of electric field therapy that has been shown to slow the growth of GBM cells. Clinical trials are ongoing to evaluate the safety and efficacy of these and other innovative treatments for GBM, intending to improve with outcomes for patients.

  PublisherOA PDFDOI

• Handbook of Nonmedical Applications of Liposomes

  CRC Press eBooks · 2023 · 105 citations

  • Nanotechnology
  • Materials science
  PublisherDOI

Recent grants

• NIH Grant R01EB001961

  NIH · $1.7M · 2009

• NIH Grant R01CA121838

  NIH · $1.4M · 2012

• Lipid-dendrimer micellar nanocarriers for siRNA/drug co-delivery in MDR cancer

  NIH · $1.7M · 2015–2022

• NIH Grant R01CA134951

  NIH · $1.3M · 2014

• NIH Grant R21CA179286

  NIH · $372k · 2017

Frequent coauthors

• Nina Filipczak

  Northeastern University

  59 shared

• Ed Luther

  Northeastern University

  36 shared

• Tatyana Levchenko

  Northeastern University

  36 shared

• Lívia P. Mendes

  34 shared

• Ban‐An Khaw

  31 shared

• Artiom Petrov

  First Pavlov State Medical University of St. Petersburg

  29 shared

• Jagat Narula

  The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio

  28 shared

• Satya Siva Kishan Yalamarty

  Northeastern University

  26 shared

Education

• Ph.D., Pharmacology

  University of Illinois at Chicago

  1986

• M.S., Pharmacology

  University of Illinois at Chicago

  1983

• B.S., Pharmacology

  University of Illinois at Chicago

  1981

Awards & honors

• Lenin Prize of the USSR in Science and Technology (1982)
• Fellow, American Institute for Medical and Biological Engine…
• Member, European Academy of Sciences (2002)
• Fellow, American Association of Pharmaceutical Scientists (A…
• ATOMS Research Excellence in Mentorship Award, National Inst…