Francis Victor

Mr. Francis Victor

orcid

Research Focus & Metrics

Academic Career Length

5Years (2022-Present)

(Calculated once Scilit publication data is synced: current year − year of first publication + 1)

Representative Publications

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8 January 2024 in Materials
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
MFMariana Silva Fonseca
Mariana Silva Fonseca
Ivana JarakIvana Jarak
Ivana Jarak
FVFrancis Victor
Francis Victor
Cátia DominguesCátia Domingues
Cátia Domingues
Francisco VeigaFrancisco Veiga
Francisco Veiga
AFAna Figueiras
Ana Figueiras
Polymersomes are artificial nanoparticles formed by the self-assembly process of amphiphilic block copolymers composed of hydrophobic and hydrophilic blocks. They can encapsulate hydrophilic molecules in the aqueous core and hydrophobic molecules within the membrane. The composition of block copolymers can be tuned, enabling control of characteristics and properties of formed polymersomes and, thus, their application in areas such as drug delivery, diagnostics, or bioimaging. The preparation methods of polymersomes can also impact their characteristics and the preservation of the encapsulated drugs. Many methods have been described, including direct hydration, thin film hydration, electroporation, the pH-switch method, solvent shift method, single and double emulsion method, flash nanoprecipitation, and microfluidic synthesis. Considering polymersome structure and composition, there are several types of polymersomes including theranostic polymersomes, polymersomes decorated with targeting ligands for selective delivery, stimuli-responsive polymersomes, or porous polymersomes with multiple promising applications. Due to the shortcomings related to the stability, efficacy, and safety of some therapeutics in the human body, polymersomes as drug delivery systems have been good candidates to improve the quality of therapies against a wide range of diseases, including cancer. Chemotherapy and immunotherapy can be improved by using polymersomes to deliver the drugs, protecting and directing them to the exact site of action. Moreover, this approach is also promising for targeted delivery of biologics since they represent a class of drugs with poor stability and high susceptibility to in vivo clearance. However, the lack of a well-defined regulatory plan for polymersome formulations has hampered their follow-up to clinical trials and subsequent market entry.

AAAbdullah Salah Alanazi
Abdullah Salah Alanazi
FVFrancis Victor
Francis Victor
Kanwal RehmanKanwal Rehman
Kanwal Rehman
Yusra Habib KhanYusra Habib Khan
Yusra Habib Khan
IYIsmaeel Yunusa
Ismaeel Yunusa
Tauqeer Hussain MallhiTauqeer Hussain Mallhi
Tauqeer Hussain Mallhi
Pre-existing diabetes, hypertension and kidney disorders are prominent risk factors of pre-eclampsia (PE). It is a multifactorial pregnancy disorder associated with high blood pressure, proteinuria, and multiorgan failure, which develops after the 20th week of pregnancy. It is one of the most feared pregnancy disorders, as it consumes thousands of fetomaternal lives per annum. According to clinical and pathological studies, the placenta appears to be a key player in the pathogenesis of PE; however, the exact origin of this disorder is still under debate. Defective placentation and angiogenesis are the hallmarks of PE progression. This angiogenic imbalance, together with maternal susceptibility, might determine the severity and clinical presentation of PE. This article comprehensively examines the mechanisms of pathogenesis of PE and current evidence of the factors involved in its progression. Finally, this article will explore the genetic association of PE, various candidate genes, their proposed mechanisms and variants involved in its pathogenesis.

13 July 2026 in Pharmaceuticals
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
Filipa Mascarenhas-MeloFilipa Mascarenhas-Melo
Filipa Mascarenhas-Melo
RPRafael Pinheiro
Rafael Pinheiro
FVFrancis Victor
Francis Victor
MPMaria Pina
Maria Pina
AFAna Figueiras
Ana Figueiras
Personalized oncology is transforming cancer care by tailoring therapeutic strategies to the molecular and clinical characteristics of individual patients. However, increasing treatment complexity, interpatient variability, and the growing use of advanced therapeutics challenge the limitations of standardized medicines. This review examines pharmaceutical compounding as a fundamental component enabling the delivery of individualized oncology treatments. A literature search was conducted in PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus, and Web of Science, using a predefined search strategy detailed in the manuscript. This narrative review of the literature was conducted to evaluate the application of pharmaceutical compounding in modern oncology practice. The analysis includes immunotherapy, nanotechnology-based drug delivery systems, genomic-guided therapy, and combination treatment strategies. Emerging technologies, such as artificial intelligence, three-dimensional printing, and robotic compounding, were also assessed, alongside regulatory frameworks, safety challenges, and quality considerations. The main findings of this study show that compounded medications support individualized care through dose adjustment, modification of dosage forms, and exclusion of unsuitable excipients, particularly in pediatric oncology, rare cancers, and patients with specific needs. The magistral and officinal preparations help maintain continuity of care when commercial formulations are unavailable. In addition, technological advances are improving the precision, reproducibility, and safety of compounding processes, and pharmacists are centrally involved in the design, preparation, quality assurance, and regulatory oversight of these therapies. In conclusion, pharmaceutical compounding remains an essential component of personalized oncology, enabling patient-centered and adaptable treatment strategies. The expanding engagement of pharmacists, together with advances in technology and evolving regulatory frameworks, is essential to ensuring the safe and effective implementation of individualized therapies in oncology care.