An oral bioactive chitosan-decorated doxorubicin nanoparticles/bacteria bioconjugates enhance chemotherapy efficacy in an in-situ breast cancer model

Excipient nanoparticles as cancer therapeutics: Mechanistic actions, delivery and manufacturing perspectives

Excipients, conventionally defined as inactive additives, are potential anti-cancer therapeutics at nanoscale against various cancers. This mini-review highlighted nano-excipient potential as anti-cancer therapeutic based on recent literature (2022-2025). Metal/metal oxide nanoparticles stimulate reactive oxygen species production that promotes oxidative damage of cancer cells. Excipient nanoparticles formulating with chitosan/guar gum/arabic gum/pectin/kaolin/peptide additive trigger apoptosis and regulate metastasis. Delivery specificity of excipient nanoparticles can be promoted using targeting ligand (folic acid/hyaluronic acid) or via adaptation of cancer cell membrane that retains the targeting capabilities towards homotypic cancer cells with reduced immune surveillance. Light irradiation/ultrasound/magnetic field could be employed to activate metal-based excipient nanoparticles to initiate hyperthermia, localized electric field, Fenton-like reaction or mechanical forces that directly negate cancer growth with membrane disruption or through intracellular accumulation of cytotoxic excipient nanoparticles acting on malignant tumors. Excipient nanoparticles are expected to have milder therapeutic effects and require a prolonged treatment with higher dosages in comparison to drugs. Being drug-free, they are met with reduced manufacturing challenges such as premature drug leaching, drug instability, uncontrolled drug release, toxic metabolite formation and severe systemic adverse effects due to poor drug targeting.

Advances in understanding therapeutic mechanisms of probiotics in cancer management, with special emphasis on breast cancer: A comprehensive review

The increasing global prevalence of cancer, particularly breast cancer, necessitates the development of innovative therapeutic strategies. Probiotics, proficient in promoting gut health, have emerged as promising candidates for cancer treatment due to their immunomodulatory and potential anticancer properties. This review focuses on the therapeutic mechanisms of probiotics in breast cancer, examining their anticancer efficacy through metabolic, immune, and molecular mechanisms. Probiotics enhance cancer therapies, minimize side effects, and offer new adjuvant approaches in oncology. Recent advancements discussed in the review include the utilization of probiotics as oncolytic gene expression systems and drug delivery vectors, as well as personalized probiotic interventions aimed at optimizing cancer therapy. Clinical studies are critically evaluated, highlighting both the outcomes and limitations of probiotic use in cancer patients, particularly those suffering from breast cancer. Additionally, the review explores factors influencing anticancer effects of probiotics, focusing on their role in modulating the tumor microenvironment. Challenges in translating preclinical findings to clinical practice are discussed, along with future research directions, focusing on the relationship between probiotics, the microbiome, and cancer treatment. Ultimately, this review advocates for further investigation into the therapeutic potential of probiotics in breast cancer, aiming to harness their benefits in oncology.

Bacterial live therapeutics for human diseases

The genomic revolution has fueled rapid progress in synthetic and systems biology, opening up new possibilities for using live biotherapeutic products (LBP) to treat, attenuate or prevent human diseases. Among LBP, bacteria-based therapies are particularly promising due to their ability to colonize diverse human tissues, modulate the immune system and secrete or deliver complex biological products. These bacterial LBP include engineered pathogenic species designed to target specific diseases, and microbiota species that promote microbial balance and immune system homeostasis, either through local administration or the gut-body axes. This review focuses on recent advancements in preclinical and clinical trials of bacteria-based LBP, highlighting both on-site and long-reaching strategies.

Nanoscale strides: exploring innovative therapies for breast cancer treatment

Breast cancer (BC) is a predominant malignancy in women that constitutes approximately 30% of all cancer cases and has a mortality rate of 14% in recent years. The prevailing therapies include surgery, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy, each with its own limitations and challenges. Despite oral or intravenous administration, there are numerous barriers to accessing anti-BC agents before they reach the tumor site, including physical, physiological, and biophysical barriers. The complexity of BC pathogenesis, attributed to a combination of endogenous, chronic, intrinsic, extrinsic and genetic factors, further complicates its management. Due to the limitations of existing cancer treatment approaches, there is a need to explore novel, efficacious solutions. Nanodrug delivery has emerged as a promising avenue in cancer chemotherapy, aiming to enhance drug bioavailability while mitigating adverse effects. In contrast to conventional chemotherapy, cancer nanotechnology leverages improved permeability to achieve comprehensive disruption of cancer cells. This approach also presented superior pharmacokinetic profiles. The application of nanotechnology in cancer therapeutics includes nanotechnological tools, but a comprehensive review cannot cover all facets. Thus, this review concentrates specifically on BC treatment. The focus lies in the successful implementation of systematic nanotherapeutic strategies, demonstrating their superiority over conventional methods in delivering anti-BC agents. Nanotechnology-driven drug delivery holds immense potential in treating BC. By surmounting multiple barriers and capitalizing on improved permeability, nanodrug delivery has demonstrated enhanced efficacy and reduced adverse effects compared to conventional therapies. This review highlights the significance of systematic nanotherapy approaches, emphasizing the evolving landscape of BC management.