International Journal of Molecular Sciences

Editorial

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3 pages, 191 KiB

Open AccessEditorial

Nanostrategies: The Future Medicine for Fighting Cancer Progression and Drug Resistance 2.0

by Giovanni Luca Beretta

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2022, 23(22), 14486; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms232214486 - 21 Nov 2022

Viewed by 1112

Abstract

The attractiveness of the nanomaterials research field has persisted [...] Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nano-Strategies: The Future Medicine for Fighting Cancer Progression and Drug Resistance 2.0)

Research

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16 pages, 5294 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Combination of Near-Infrared Photoimmunotherapy Using Trastuzumab and Small Protein Mimetic for HER2-Positive Breast Cancer

by Haruka Yamaguchi, Jotaro On, Takao Morita, Takamasa Suzuki, Yasuo Okada, Junya Ono and Andreas Evdokiou

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2021, 22(22), 12213; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms222212213 - 11 Nov 2021

Cited by 11 | Viewed by 3253

Abstract

Near-infrared photoimmunotherapy (NIR-PIT) is a promising cancer therapy based on a monoclonal antibody conjugated to a photosensitizer (IR700Dye) that is activated by near-infrared light irradiation. We previously reported on the use of NIR-PIT with a small protein mimetic, the Affibody molecule (6–7 kDa), [...] Read more.

Near-infrared photoimmunotherapy (NIR-PIT) is a promising cancer therapy based on a monoclonal antibody conjugated to a photosensitizer (IR700Dye) that is activated by near-infrared light irradiation. We previously reported on the use of NIR-PIT with a small protein mimetic, the Affibody molecule (6–7 kDa), instead of a monoclonal antibody. In this study, we investigated a combination of NIR-PIT for HER2-positive breast cancer cells (SK-BR3, MDA-MB361, and JIMT1) with HER2 Affibody-IR700Dye conjugate and trastuzumab-IR700Dye conjugate. HER2 Affibody and trastuzumab target different epitopes of the HER2 protein and do not compete. In vitro, the combination of NIR-PIT using both HER2 Affibody-IR700Dye conjugate and trastuzumab-IR700Dye conjugate induced necrotic cell death of HER2-positive breast cancer cells without damage to HER2-negative breast cancer cells (MCF7). It was more efficient than NIR-PIT using either the HER2 Affibody-IR700Dye conjugate alone or the trastuzumab-IR700Dye conjugate alone. Additionally, this combination of NIR-PIT was significantly effective against HER2 low-expressing cancer cells, trastuzumab-resistant cells (JIMT1), and brain metastatic cells of breast cancer (MDA-MB361). Furthermore, in vivo imaging exhibited the strong fluorescence intensity of both HER2 Affibody-IR700Dye conjugates and trastuzumab-Alexa488 conjugates in HER2-positive tumor, indicating that both HER2 Affibody and trastuzumab specifically bind to HER2-positive tumors without competing with each other. In conclusion, the combination of NIR-PIT using both HER2 Affibody and trastuzumab expands the targeting scope of NIR-PIT for HER2-positive breast cancer. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nano-Strategies: The Future Medicine for Fighting Cancer Progression and Drug Resistance 2.0)

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14 pages, 4055 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Controlled Release of Doxorubicin for Targeted Chemo-Photothermal Therapy in Breast Cancer HS578T Cells Using Albumin Modified Hybrid Nanocarriers

by Barbara Carrese, Chiara Cavallini, Gennaro Sanità, Paolo Armanetti, Brigida Silvestri, Gaetano Calì, Giulio Pota, Giuseppina Luciani, Luca Menichetti and Annalisa Lamberti

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2021, 22(20), 11228; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms222011228 - 18 Oct 2021

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2082

Abstract

Hybrid nanomaterials have attracted research interest owing to their intriguing properties, which may offer new diagnostic options with triggering features, able to realize a new kind of tunable nanotherapeutics. Hybrid silica/melanin nanoparticles (NPs) containing silver seeds (Me-laSil_Ag-HSA NPs) disclosed relevant photoacoustic contrast for [...] Read more.

Hybrid nanomaterials have attracted research interest owing to their intriguing properties, which may offer new diagnostic options with triggering features, able to realize a new kind of tunable nanotherapeutics. Hybrid silica/melanin nanoparticles (NPs) containing silver seeds (Me-laSil_Ag-HSA NPs) disclosed relevant photoacoustic contrast for molecular imaging. In this study we explored therapeutic function in the same nanoplatform. For this purpose, MelaSil_Ag-HSA were loaded with doxorubicin (DOX) (MelaSil_Ag-HSA@DOX) and tested to assess the efficiency of drug delivery combined with concurrent photothermal treatment. The excellent photothermal properties allowed enhanced cytotoxic activity at significantly lower doses than neat chemotherapeutic treatment. The results revealed that MelaSil_Ag-HSA@DOX is a promising platform for an integrated photothermal (PT) chemotherapy approach, reducing the efficacy concentration of the DOX and, thus, potentially limiting the several adverse side effects of the drug in in vivo treatments. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nano-Strategies: The Future Medicine for Fighting Cancer Progression and Drug Resistance 2.0)

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20 pages, 5363 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Induction of Apoptotic Temperature in Photothermal Therapy under Various Heating Conditions in Multi-Layered Skin Structure

by Donghyuk Kim and Hyunjung Kim

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2021, 22(20), 11091; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms222011091 - 14 Oct 2021

Cited by 18 | Viewed by 2155

Abstract

Recently, photothermal therapy has attracted attention as an alternative treatment to conventional surgical techniques because it does not lead to bleeding and patients quickly recover after treatment compared to incisional surgery. Photothermal therapy induces tumor cell death through an increase in the temperature [...] Read more.

Recently, photothermal therapy has attracted attention as an alternative treatment to conventional surgical techniques because it does not lead to bleeding and patients quickly recover after treatment compared to incisional surgery. Photothermal therapy induces tumor cell death through an increase in the temperature using the photothermal effect, which converts light energy into thermal energy. This study was conducted to perform numerical analysis based on heat transfer to induce apoptosis of tumor tissue under various heating conditions in photothermal therapy. The Monte Carlo method was applied to evaluate a multi-layered skin structure containing squamous cell carcinoma. Tissue-equivalent phantom experiments verified the numerical model. Based on the effective apoptosis retention ratio, the numerical analysis results showed the quantitative correlation for the laser intensity, volume fraction of gold nanorods injected into the tumor, and cooling time. This study reveals optimal conditions for maximizing apoptosis within tumor tissue while minimizing thermal damage to surrounding tissues under various heating conditions. This approach may be useful as a standard treatment when performing photothermal therapy. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nano-Strategies: The Future Medicine for Fighting Cancer Progression and Drug Resistance 2.0)

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Review

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16 pages, 690 KiB

Open AccessReview

Nutraceutical-Based Nanoformulations for Breast and Ovarian Cancer Treatment

by Simona Serini, Roberta Cassano, Federica Curcio, Sonia Trombino and Gabriella Calviello

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2022, 23(19), 12032; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms231912032 - 10 Oct 2022

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2024

Abstract

Different strategies have been investigated for a more satisfactory treatment of advanced breast cancer, including the adjuvant use of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs). These nutritional compounds have been shown to possess potent anti-inflammatory and antiangiogenic activities, the capacity to affect transduction pathways/receptors [...] Read more.

Different strategies have been investigated for a more satisfactory treatment of advanced breast cancer, including the adjuvant use of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs). These nutritional compounds have been shown to possess potent anti-inflammatory and antiangiogenic activities, the capacity to affect transduction pathways/receptors involved in cell growth and to reprogram tumor microenvironment. Omega-3 PUFA-containing nanoformulations designed for drug delivery in breast cancer were shown to potentiate the effects of enclosed drugs, enhance drug delivery to target sites, and minimize drug-induced side effects. We have critically analyzed here the results of the most recent studies investigating the effects of omega-3 PUFA-containing nanoformulations in breast cancer. The anti-neoplastic efficacy of omega-3 PUFAs has also been convincingly demonstrated by using preclinical in vivo models of ovarian cancer. The results obtained are critically analyzed here and seem to provide a sufficient rationale to move to still lacking interventional clinical trials, as well as to evaluate possible advantages of enclosing omega-3 PUFAs to drug-delivery nanosystems for ovarian cancer. Future perspectives in this area are also provided. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nano-Strategies: The Future Medicine for Fighting Cancer Progression and Drug Resistance 2.0)

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36 pages, 2101 KiB

Open AccessReview

Nanomedicine-Based Delivery Strategies for Breast Cancer Treatment and Management

by Priti Tagde, Agnieszka Najda, Kalpana Nagpal, Giriraj T. Kulkarni, Muddaser Shah, Obaid Ullah, Sebastian Balant and Md. Habibur Rahman

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2022, 23(5), 2856; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms23052856 - 05 Mar 2022

Cited by 33 | Viewed by 6517

Abstract

Breast cancer is one of the most common types of cancer among women globally. It is caused by mutations in the estrogen/progesterone receptors and conventional treatment methods are commonly utilized. About 70–80 percent of individuals with the early-stage non-metastatic disease may be cured. [...] Read more.

Breast cancer is one of the most common types of cancer among women globally. It is caused by mutations in the estrogen/progesterone receptors and conventional treatment methods are commonly utilized. About 70–80 percent of individuals with the early-stage non-metastatic disease may be cured. Conventional treatment is far less than the optimal ratio, as demonstrated through the high mortality rate of women with this cancer. However, conventional treatment methods like surgery, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy are not as effective as expected and lead to concerns about low bioavailability, low cellular uptake, emerging resistance, and adverse toxicities. A nanomedicine-based approach is a promising alternative for breast cancer treatment. The present era is witnessing rapid advancements in nanomedicine as a platform for investigating novel therapeutic applications and modern intelligent healthcare management strategies. This paper focuses on nanomedicine-based therapeutic interventions that are becoming more widely accepted for improving treatment effectiveness and reducing undesired side effects in breast cancer patients. By evaluating the state-of-the-art tools and taking the challenges involved into consideration, various aspects of the proposed nano-enabled therapeutic approaches have been discussed in this review. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nano-Strategies: The Future Medicine for Fighting Cancer Progression and Drug Resistance 2.0)

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29 pages, 1834 KiB

Open AccessReview

Nanomedicine Strategies for Management of Drug Resistance in Lung Cancer

by Mohamed Haider, Amr Elsherbeny, Valeria Pittalà, Valeria Consoli, Maha Ali Alghamdi, Zahid Hussain, Ghalia Khoder and Khaled Greish

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2022, 23(3), 1853; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms23031853 - 06 Feb 2022

Cited by 18 | Viewed by 4019

Abstract

Lung cancer (LC) is one of the leading causes of cancer occurrence and mortality worldwide. Treatment of patients with advanced and metastatic LC presents a significant challenge, as malignant cells use different mechanisms to resist chemotherapy. Drug resistance (DR) is a complex process [...] Read more.

Lung cancer (LC) is one of the leading causes of cancer occurrence and mortality worldwide. Treatment of patients with advanced and metastatic LC presents a significant challenge, as malignant cells use different mechanisms to resist chemotherapy. Drug resistance (DR) is a complex process that occurs due to a variety of genetic and acquired factors. Identifying the mechanisms underlying DR in LC patients and possible therapeutic alternatives for more efficient therapy is a central goal of LC research. Advances in nanotechnology resulted in the development of targeted and multifunctional nanoscale drug constructs. The possible modulation of the components of nanomedicine, their surface functionalization, and the encapsulation of various active therapeutics provide promising tools to bypass crucial biological barriers. These attributes enhance the delivery of multiple therapeutic agents directly to the tumor microenvironment (TME), resulting in reversal of LC resistance to anticancer treatment. This review provides a broad framework for understanding the different molecular mechanisms of DR in lung cancer, presents novel nanomedicine therapeutics aimed at improving the efficacy of treatment of various forms of resistant LC; outlines current challenges in using nanotechnology for reversing DR; and discusses the future directions for the clinical application of nanomedicine in the management of LC resistance. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nano-Strategies: The Future Medicine for Fighting Cancer Progression and Drug Resistance 2.0)

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41 pages, 11508 KiB

Open AccessReview

Drug Resistance in Metastatic Breast Cancer: Tumor Targeted Nanomedicine to the Rescue

by Vrinda Gote, Anantha Ram Nookala, Pradeep Kumar Bolla and Dhananjay Pal

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2021, 22(9), 4673; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms22094673 - 28 Apr 2021

Cited by 69 | Viewed by 10243

Abstract

Breast cancer, specifically metastatic breast, is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in women. This is mainly due to relapse and reoccurrence of tumor. The primary reason for cancer relapse is the development of multidrug resistance (MDR) hampering the treatment and prognosis. [...] Read more.

Breast cancer, specifically metastatic breast, is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in women. This is mainly due to relapse and reoccurrence of tumor. The primary reason for cancer relapse is the development of multidrug resistance (MDR) hampering the treatment and prognosis. MDR can occur due to a multitude of molecular events, including increased expression of efflux transporters such as P-gp, BCRP, or MRP1; epithelial to mesenchymal transition; and resistance development in breast cancer stem cells. Excessive dose dumping in chemotherapy can cause intrinsic anti-cancer MDR to appear prior to chemotherapy and after the treatment. Hence, novel targeted nanomedicines encapsulating chemotherapeutics and gene therapy products may assist to overcome cancer drug resistance. Targeted nanomedicines offer innovative strategies to overcome the limitations of conventional chemotherapy while permitting enhanced selectivity to cancer cells. Targeted nanotheranostics permit targeted drug release, precise breast cancer diagnosis, and importantly, the ability to overcome MDR. The article discusses various nanomedicines designed to selectively target breast cancer, triple negative breast cancer, and breast cancer stem cells. In addition, the review discusses recent approaches, including combination nanoparticles (NPs), theranostic NPs, and stimuli sensitive or “smart” NPs. Recent innovations in microRNA NPs and personalized medicine NPs are also discussed. Future perspective research for complex targeted and multi-stage responsive nanomedicines for metastatic breast cancer is discussed. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nano-Strategies: The Future Medicine for Fighting Cancer Progression and Drug Resistance 2.0)

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21 pages, 1745 KiB

Open AccessReview

Antibody Conjugation of Nanoparticles as Therapeutics for Breast Cancer Treatment

by Alberto Juan, Francisco J. Cimas, Iván Bravo, Atanasio Pandiella, Alberto Ocaña and Carlos Alonso-Moreno

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2020, 21(17), 6018; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms21176018 - 21 Aug 2020

Cited by 49 | Viewed by 5202

Abstract

Breast cancer is the most common invasive tumor in women and the second leading cause of cancer-related death. Nanomedicine raises high expectations for millions of patients as it can provide better, more efficient, and affordable healthcare, and it has the potential to develop [...] Read more.

Breast cancer is the most common invasive tumor in women and the second leading cause of cancer-related death. Nanomedicine raises high expectations for millions of patients as it can provide better, more efficient, and affordable healthcare, and it has the potential to develop novel therapeutics for the treatment of solid tumors. In this regard, targeted therapies can be encapsulated into nanocarriers, and these nanovehicles are guided to the tumors through conjugation with antibodies—the so-called antibody-conjugated nanoparticles (ACNPs). ACNPs can preserve the chemical structure of drugs, deliver them in a controlled manner, and reduce toxicity. As certain breast cancer subtypes and indications have limited therapeutic options, this field provides hope for the future treatment of patients with difficult to treat breast cancers. In this review, we discuss the application of ACNPs for the treatment of this disease. Given the fact that ACNPs have shown clinical activity in this clinical setting, special emphasis on the role of the nanovehicles and their translation to the clinic is placed on the revision. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nano-Strategies: The Future Medicine for Fighting Cancer Progression and Drug Resistance 2.0)

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