News | OSU scientists develop nanotechnology for more precise diagnosis and treatment of ectopic pregnancy
Researchers at Oregon State University (OSU) have announced a nanomedicine technology designed to diagnose and terminate ectopic pregnancy more precisely, offering a potential new approach to this high-risk condition. The study was published in the international journal Small.
Ectopic pregnancy: A serious, often hidden threat
An ectopic pregnancy occurs when a fertilized egg implants outside the uterine cavity; 98% occur in a fallopian tube. Without prompt diagnosis and treatment, tubal rupture can cause life-threatening hemorrhage. About 100,000 cases occur annually in the United States, with a global incidence of approximately 1%-2%.
Transvaginal ultrasound is the main diagnostic method, but the reported misdiagnosis rate is as high as 40%. Even when diagnosed, first-line methotrexate treatment fails in 10% of cases and may cause nausea, vomiting, and liver or kidney injury. If treatment fails or the condition worsens, surgery to remove the affected fallopian tube may be required, affecting fertility and increasing the risk of another ectopic pregnancy (by 10% after one previous ectopic pregnancy).
OSU scientists therefore developed photosensitive nanoparticles intended to improve diagnostic accuracy and provide a less invasive treatment.
How could nanomedicine support ectopic pregnancy treatment?
The study was led by Olena Taratula of the OSU College of Pharmacy and Leslie Myatt of Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU), with colleagues. The team developed photosensitive nanoparticles administered intravenously to pregnant mice.
① Nanoparticles precisely locate ectopic pregnancy
The nanoparticles selectively accumulate in placental tissue, whether it is inside or outside the uterus. Fluorescence and photoacoustic imaging then clearly show the placenta's location, potentially improving diagnostic accuracy.
“Accurately identifying where the placenta is growing remains a major challenge in diagnosing ectopic pregnancy. Effective detection of placental growth would greatly improve accurate identification of ectopic pregnancy.”—Olena Taratula
② Near-infrared photothermal therapy precisely terminates ectopic pregnancy
Once the placenta is confirmed in the wrong location, near-infrared (NIR) light heats the photosensitive nanoparticles above 43°C, disrupting placental function and terminating the pregnancy. The method did not affect uterine health and may have fewer adverse effects than conventional drugs such as methotrexate.
Experimental results and next steps
The team successfully tested the technology in pregnant mice. Results showed:
The nanoparticles effectively located the placenta and clearly displayed it through photoacoustic imaging.
Near-infrared irradiation precisely disrupted an ectopic placenta and effectively terminated the pregnancy.
“Our primary goal was to verify the nanoparticles' imaging and photothermal treatment capabilities. The results are very promising, and the next step is to further assess safety and effectiveness in other animal models.”—Olena Taratula
Other team members included Oleh Taratula (OSU College of Pharmacy), Maureen Baldwin (OHSU), Abraham Moses, Leena Kadam, Anna St. Lorenz, Terry Morgan, Jessica Hebert and Youngrong Park. The study was supported by the **National Institutes of Health (NIH) and Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD)**, among others.
Outlook: Precision medicine for ectopic pregnancy?
The study offers a new approach to detecting and treating ectopic pregnancy. Compared with conventional methods, photosensitive nanoparticles may improve diagnostic accuracy and provide a safer, more precise way to terminate an ectopic pregnancy.
The technology remains experimental. Researchers plan to validate it in additional animal models and explore its clinical feasibility. If successful, it could offer a new option for women at risk of ectopic pregnancy and reduce misdiagnosis, adverse effects and invasive surgery.
News | OSU scientists develop nanotechnology for more precise diagnosis and treatment of ectopic pregnancy
News | OSU scientists develop nanotechnology for more precise diagnosis and treatment of ectopic pregnancy
Researchers at Oregon State University (OSU) have announced a nanomedicine technology designed to diagnose and terminate ectopic pregnancy more precisely, offering a potential new approach to this high-risk condition. The study was published in the international journal Small.
Ectopic pregnancy: A serious, often hidden threat
An ectopic pregnancy occurs when a fertilized egg implants outside the uterine cavity; 98% occur in a fallopian tube. Without prompt diagnosis and treatment, tubal rupture can cause life-threatening hemorrhage. About 100,000 cases occur annually in the United States, with a global incidence of approximately 1%-2%.
Transvaginal ultrasound is the main diagnostic method, but the reported misdiagnosis rate is as high as 40%. Even when diagnosed, first-line methotrexate treatment fails in 10% of cases and may cause nausea, vomiting, and liver or kidney injury. If treatment fails or the condition worsens, surgery to remove the affected fallopian tube may be required, affecting fertility and increasing the risk of another ectopic pregnancy (by 10% after one previous ectopic pregnancy).
OSU scientists therefore developed photosensitive nanoparticles intended to improve diagnostic accuracy and provide a less invasive treatment.
How could nanomedicine support ectopic pregnancy treatment?
The study was led by Olena Taratula of the OSU College of Pharmacy and Leslie Myatt of Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU), with colleagues. The team developed photosensitive nanoparticles administered intravenously to pregnant mice.
① Nanoparticles precisely locate ectopic pregnancy
The nanoparticles selectively accumulate in placental tissue, whether it is inside or outside the uterus. Fluorescence and photoacoustic imaging then clearly show the placenta's location, potentially improving diagnostic accuracy.
“Accurately identifying where the placenta is growing remains a major challenge in diagnosing ectopic pregnancy. Effective detection of placental growth would greatly improve accurate identification of ectopic pregnancy.”—Olena Taratula
② Near-infrared photothermal therapy precisely terminates ectopic pregnancy
Once the placenta is confirmed in the wrong location, near-infrared (NIR) light heats the photosensitive nanoparticles above 43°C, disrupting placental function and terminating the pregnancy. The method did not affect uterine health and may have fewer adverse effects than conventional drugs such as methotrexate.
Experimental results and next steps
The team successfully tested the technology in pregnant mice. Results showed:
The nanoparticles effectively located the placenta and clearly displayed it through photoacoustic imaging.
Near-infrared irradiation precisely disrupted an ectopic placenta and effectively terminated the pregnancy.
“Our primary goal was to verify the nanoparticles' imaging and photothermal treatment capabilities. The results are very promising, and the next step is to further assess safety and effectiveness in other animal models.”—Olena Taratula
Other team members included Oleh Taratula (OSU College of Pharmacy), Maureen Baldwin (OHSU), Abraham Moses, Leena Kadam, Anna St. Lorenz, Terry Morgan, Jessica Hebert and Youngrong Park. The study was supported by the **National Institutes of Health (NIH) and Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD)**, among others.
Outlook: Precision medicine for ectopic pregnancy?
The study offers a new approach to detecting and treating ectopic pregnancy. Compared with conventional methods, photosensitive nanoparticles may improve diagnostic accuracy and provide a safer, more precise way to terminate an ectopic pregnancy.
The technology remains experimental. Researchers plan to validate it in additional animal models and explore its clinical feasibility. If successful, it could offer a new option for women at risk of ectopic pregnancy and reduce misdiagnosis, adverse effects and invasive surgery.
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