Swarm Medicine: Developing guidance for in-human testing of emerging swarm-based cancer nanomedicines

Abstract: The development of in silico methodology, active controllable nanoparticles (nanorobots) and collective nanosystems that work cooperatively rather than individually (nanoswarms) are emerging as the new frontier in cancer nanomedicine. A multimethod qualitative study was undertaken to develop an understanding of how the first-in-human cancer nanoswarm trial should be regulated from the perspective of various stakeholders. This poster presents the initial findings of the ongoing study. 21 semi-structured interviews with regulators, nanomedicine researchers, healthcare professionals and patients were conducted, with data subjected to thematic analysis. Five themes emerged from the interviews: (1) Patient Cancer Journey; (2) Perceptions; (3) Regulation; (4) Future Thinking and; (5) Stakeholder Interaction. Overall the results demonstrate a willingness from oncology patients to develop nanoswarm treatments, as well highlight concerns from all stakeholders around trust and transparency. In the next stage, we need to further explore with focus groups if there is a level of acceptance and awareness for regulating this technology amongst stakeholders before making final recommendations for a framework of what the first-in-human cancer nanoswarm clinical trial should look like.