Multifunctional nanospheres for co-delivery of methotrexate and mild hyperthermia to colon cancer cells

Advanced polymeric systems for colon drug delivery: from experimental models to market applications

In recent years, nano and micro drug delivery systems targeting the colon have gained more attention due to increasing interest in treating colon diseases such as colorectal cancer and inflammatory bowel disease, i.e., Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis. Usually, nanocarriers are exploited for their enhanced permeability properties, allowing higher penetration effects and bioavailability, while microcarriers are primarily used for localized and sustained release. In bowel diseases, carriers must go into a delicate environment with a strict balance of gut bacteria (e.g., colon), and natural or biodegradable polymers capable of ensuring lower toxicity are preferred. However, these systems are primarily delivered orally, so the carrier must go through the whole gastrointestinal tract, where it encounters significant pH fluctuations, different mucus layers, several enzymes, and a long transit time. For this reason, various approaches have been explored and evaluated, especially using pH-responsive and time-dependent systems. This review provides an overview of the contemporary methodologies employed in orally administered nano- and microparticles for colon delivery, encompassing both in vivo and in vitro investigations. It evaluates their strengths, weaknesses, constraints, and potential enhancements, leveraging mathematical and microfluidic models. Furthermore, it focuses explicitly on systems that have already reached the market and are presently employed in treating severe colon diseases.

Beyond traditional therapy: Mucoadhesive polymers as a new frontier in oral cancer management

In recent times mucoadhesive drug delivery systems are gaining popularity in oral cancer. It is a malignancy with high global prevalence. Despite significant advances in cancer therapeutics, improving the prognosis of late-stage oral cancer remains challenging. Targeted therapy using mucoadhesive polymers can improve oral cancer patients' overall outcome by offering enhanced oral mucosa bioavailability, better drug distribution and tissue targeting, and minimizing systemic side effects. Mucoadhesive polymers can also be delivered via different formulations such as tablets, films, patches, gels, and nanoparticles. These polymers can deliver an array of medicines, making them an adaptable drug delivery approach. Drug delivery techniques based on these mucoadhesive polymers are gaining traction and have immense potential as a prospective treatment for late-stage oral cancer. This review examines leading research in mucoadhesive polymers and discusses their potential applications in treating oral cancer.

Theranostics Nanomedicine Applications for Colorectal Cancer and Metastasis: Recent Advances

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most common cancer worldwide, and metastatic CRC is a fatal disease. The CRC-affected tissues show several molecular markers that could be used as a fresh strategy to create newer methods of treating the condition. The liver and the peritoneum are where metastasis occurs most frequently. Once the tumor has metastasized to the liver, peritoneal carcinomatosis is frequently regarded as the disease's final stage. However, nearly 50% of CRC patients with peritoneal carcinomatosis do not have liver metastases. New diagnostic and therapeutic approaches must be developed due to the disease's poor response to present treatment choices in advanced stages and the necessity of an accurate diagnosis in the early stages. Many unique and amazing nanomaterials with promise for both diagnosis and treatment may be found in nanotechnology. Numerous nanomaterials and nanoformulations, including carbon nanotubes, dendrimers, liposomes, silica nanoparticles, gold nanoparticles, metal-organic frameworks, core-shell polymeric nano-formulations, and nano-emulsion systems, among others, can be used for targeted anticancer drug delivery and diagnostic purposes in CRC. Theranostic approaches combined with nanomedicine have been proposed as a revolutionary approach to improve CRC detection and treatment. This review highlights recent studies, potential, and challenges for the development of nanoplatforms for the detection and treatment of CRC.

Synthesis and characterization of poly(3-hydroxybutyrate)/chitosan-graft poly (acrylic acid) conjugate hyaluronate for targeted delivery of methotrexate drug to colon cancer cells

Anti-cancer medications that are delivered specifically to the tumor site possess greater efficacy with less negative effects on the body. So, the current research relies on a novel method for intercalating the anticancer medication methotrexate in poly(3-hydroxybutyrate)/chitosan-graft poly (acrylic acid) conjugated with sodium hyaluronate. The graft copolymers were synthesized through persulfate-initiated grafting of acrylic acid onto a binary mixture of various amounts of chitosan and poly(3-hydroxybutyrate) (2/1, 1/1 and 1/2, w/w) using microwave irradiation. The graft copolymer was conjugated with sodium hyaluronate for targeted delivery of methotrexate drug specifically to colon cancer cell lines (Caco-2). The graft copolymers were characterized by many physical techniques. The maximum drug loading efficiency was observed in case of the graft copolymer/hyaluronate rich in chitosan content 69.7 ± 2.7 % (4.65 mg/g) with a sustained release about 98.6 ± 1.12 %, at pH 7.4. The findings of severe cytotoxicity having a value of the IC₅₀ of 11.7 μg/ml, a substantial proportion of apoptotic cells (67.88 %), and an elevated level of DNA breakage inside the treated Caco-2 cells verified the effective release of methotrexate from the loaded copolymer matrix. Besides, the high stability and biological activity of the released drug was exhibited through occurrence of greater increment of reactive oxygen species and effect on the extent of expression of genes connected to apoptosis and anti-oxidant enzymes within the treated cells. Ultimately, this system can be recommended as potent carrier for methotrexate administration to targeted cancerous cells in the colon.

A comprehensive review on methotrexate containing nanoparticles; an appropriate tool for cancer treatment

For more than seven decades, methotrexate has been used all over the world for treatment of different diseases such as: cancer, autoimmune diseases, and rheumatoid arthritis. Several studies have addressed its formula, efficacy, and delivery methods in recent years. These studies have been focused on the effectiveness of different nanoparticles on drug delivery, delivery of the drug to the target cells, and attenuation of harm to the host cell. Whereas, the main usages of methotrexate are in cancer treatment field, this review provided a brief perspective into using different nanoparticles and their role in the treatment of different cancers.

Hyperthermia Treatment as a Promising Anti-Cancer Strategy: Therapeutic Targets, Perspective Mechanisms and Synergistic Combinations in Experimental Approaches

Despite recent developments in diagnosis and treatment options, cancer remains one of the most critical threats to health. Several anti-cancer therapies have been identified, but further research is needed to provide more treatment options that are safe and effective for cancer. Hyperthermia (HT) is a promising treatment strategy for cancer because of its safety and cost-effectiveness. This review summarizes studies on the anti-cancer effects of HT and the detailed mechanisms. In addition, combination therapies with anti-cancer drugs or natural products that can effectively overcome the limitations of HT are reviewed because HT may trigger protective events, such as an increase of heat shock proteins (HSPs). In the 115 reports included, the mechanisms related to apoptosis, cell cycle, reactive oxygen species, mitochondrial membrane potential, DNA damage, transcription factors and HSPs were considered important. This review shows that HT is an effective inducer of apoptosis. Moreover, the limitations of HT may be overcome using combined therapy with anti-cancer drugs or natural products. Therefore, appropriate combinations of such agents with HT will exert maximal effects to treat cancer.

Antibody Conjugated PLGA Nanocarriers and Superparmagnetic Nanoparticles for Targeted Delivery of Oxaliplatin to Cells from Colorectal Carcinoma

Anti-CD133 monoclonal antibody (Ab)-conjugated poly(lactide-co-glycolide) (PLGA) nanocarriers, for the targeted delivery of oxaliplatin (OXA) and superparamagnetic nanoparticles (IO-OA) to colorectal cancer cells (CaCo-2), were designed, synthesized, characterized, and evaluated in this study. The co-encapsulation of OXA and IO-OA was achieved in two types of polymeric carriers, namely, PLGA and poly(lactide-co-glycolide)-poly(ethylene glycol) (PLGA-PEG) by double emulsion. PLGA_IO-OA_OXA and PEGylated PLGA_IO-OA_OXA nanoparticles displayed a comparable mean diameter of 207 ± 70 nm and 185 ± 119 nm, respectively. The concentration of the released OXA from the PEGylated PLGA_IO-OA_OXA increased very rapidly, reaching ~100% release after only 2 h, while the PLGA_IO-OA_OXA displayed a slower and sustained drug release. Therefore, for a controlled OXA release, non-PEGylated PLGA nanoparticles were more convenient. Interestingly, preservation of the superparamagnetic behavior of the IO-OA, without magnetic hysteresis all along the dissolution process, was observed. The non-PEGylated nanoparticles (PLGA_OXA, PLGA_IO-OA_OXA) were selected for the anti-CD133 Ab conjugation. The affinity of Ab-coated nanoparticles for CD133-positive cells was examined using fluorescence microscopy in CaCo-2 cells, which was followed by a viability assay.

Nanotechnology in Colorectal Cancer for Precision Diagnosis and Therapy

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most frequently occurring tumor in the human population. CRCs are usually adenocarcinomatous and originate as a polyp on the inner wall of the colon or rectum which may become malignant in the due course of time. Although the therapeutic options of CRC are limited, the early diagnosis of CRC may play an important role in preventive and therapeutic interventions to decrease the mortality rate. The CRC-affected tissues exhibit several molecular markers that may be exploited as the novel strategy to develop newer approaches for the treatment of the disease. Nanotechnology consists of a wide array of innovative and astonishing nanomaterials with both diagnostics and therapeutic potential. Several nanomaterials and nano formulations such as Carbon nanotubes, Dendrimer, Liposomes, Silica Nanoparticles, Gold nanoparticles, Metal-organic frameworks, Core-shell polymeric nano-formulations, Nano-emulsion System, etc can be used to targeted anticancer drug delivery and diagnostic purposes in CRC. The light-sensitive photosensitizer drugs loaded gold and silica nanoparticles can be used to diagnose as well as the killing of CRC cells by the targeted delivery of anticancer drugs to cancer cells. This review is focused on the recent advancement of nanotechnology in the diagnosis and treatment of CRC.

Recent Advances in Nanomaterials Development for Nanomedicine and Cancer

Cancer is considered one of the leading causes of death, with a growing number of cases worldwide. However, the early diagnosis and efficient therapy of cancer have remained a critical challenge. The emergence of nanomedicine has opened up a promising window to address the drawbacks of cancer detection and treatment. A wide range of engineered nanomaterials and nanoplatforms with different shapes, sizes, and composition has been developed for various biomedical applications. Nanomaterials have been increasingly used in various applications in bioimaging, diagnosis, and therapy of cancers. Recently, numerous multifunctional and smart nanoparticles with the ability of simultaneous diagnosis and targeted cancer therapy have been reported. The multidisciplinary attempts led to the development of several exciting clinically approved nanotherapeutics. The nanobased materials and devices have also been used extensively to develop point-of-care and highly sensitive methods of cancer detection. In this review article, the most significant achievements and latest advances in the nanomaterials development for cancer nanomedicine are critically discussed. In addition, the future perspectives of this field are evaluated.

Nucleoside transporter-guided cytarabine-conjugated liposomes for intracellular methotrexate delivery and cooperative choriocarcinoma therapy

Gestational trophoblastic tumors seriously endanger child productive needs and the health of women in childbearing age. Nanodrug-based therapy mediated by transporters provides a novel strategy for the treatment of trophoblastic tumors. Focusing on the overexpression of human equilibrative nucleoside transporter 1 (ENT1) on the membrane of choriocarcinoma cells (JEG-3), cytarabine (Cy, a substrate of ENT1)-grafted liposomes (Cy-Lipo) were introduced for the targeted delivery of methotrexate (Cy-Lipo@MTX) for choriocarcinoma therapy in this study. ENT1 has a high affinity for Cy-Lipo and can mediate the endocytosis of the designed nanovehicles into JEG-3 cells. The ENT1 protein maintains its transportation function through circulation and regeneration during endocytosis. Therefore, Cy-Lipo-based formulations showed high tumor accumulation and retention in biodistribution studies. More importantly, the designed DSPE-PEG2k-Cy conjugation exhibited a synergistic therapeutic effect on choriocarcinoma. Finally, Cy-Lipo@MTX exerted an extremely powerful anti-choriocarcinoma effect with fewer side effects. This study suggests that the overexpressed ENT1 on choriocarcinoma cells holds great potential as a high-efficiency target for the rational design of active targeting nanotherapeutics.

Trends in targeted delivery of nanomaterials in colon cancer diagnosis and treatment

Colon cancer is an adenocarcinoma, which subsequently develops into malignant tumors, if not treated properly. The current colon cancer therapy mainly revolves around chemotherapy, radiotherapy and surgery, but the search continues for more effective interventions. With the advancement of nanoparticles (NPs), it is now possible to diagnose and treat colon cancers with different types, shapes, and sizes of NPs. Nanoformulations such as quantum dots, iron oxide, polymeric NPs, dendrimers, polypeptides, gold NPs, silver NPs, platinum NPs, and cerium oxide have been either extensively used alone or in combination with other nanomaterials or drugs in colon cancer diagnosis, and treatments. These nanoformulations possess high biocompatibility and bioavailability, which makes them the most suitable candidates for cancer treatment. The size and shape of NPs are critical to achieving an effective drug delivery in cancer treatment and diagnosis. Most NPs currently are under different testing phases (in vitro, preclinical, and clinical), whereas some of them have been approved for therapeutic applications. We have comprehensively reviewed the recent advances in the applications of NPs-based formulations in colon cancer diagnosis and treatment.

Triumph against cancer: invading colorectal cancer with nanotechnology

INTRODUCTION

Recent statistics have reported colorectal cancer (CRC) as the second leading cause of cancer-associated deaths in the world. Early diagnosis of CRC may help to reduce the mortality and associated complications. However, the conventional diagnostic techniques often lead to misdiagnosis, fail to differentiate benign from malignant tissue or diagnose only at an advanced stage. For the treatment of CRC, surgery, chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and radiotherapy have been employed. However, the quality of living of the CRC patients is highly compromised after employing current therapeutic approaches owing to the toxicity issues and relapse.

AREA COVERED

This review accentuates the molecular mechanisms involved in the pathogenesis, stages of CRC, conventional approaches for diagnosis and therapy of CRC and the issues confronted thereby. It provides an outlook on the advantages of employing nanotechnology-based approaches for prevention, early diagnosis, and treatment of CRC.

EXPERT OPINION

Employing nanotechnology-based approaches has demonstrated promising outcomes in the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of CRC. Nanotechnology-based approaches can surmount the major drawbacks of traditional diagnostic and therapeutic approaches. Nanotechnology bestows the advantage of early detection of CRC which helps to undertake instant steps for offering efficient therapy and reducing the mortality rates. For the treatment of CRC, nanocarriers offer the benefit of achieving controlled drug release, improved drug bioavailability, enhanced tumor targetability and reduced adverse effects.

Cellular Analysis and Chemotherapeutic Potential of a Bi-Functionalized Halloysite Nanotube

The surface of halloysite nanotubes (HNTs) was bifunctionalized with two ligands—folic acid and a fluorochrome. In tandem, this combination should selectively target cancer cells and provide a means for imaging the nanoparticle. Modified bi-functionalized HNTs (bi-HNTs) were then doped with the anti-cancer drug methotrexate. bi-HNTs were characterized and subjected to in vitro tests to assess cellular growth and changes in cellular behavior in three cell lines—colon cancer, osteosarcoma, and a pre-osteoblast cell line (MC3T3-E1). Cell viability, proliferation, and cell uptake efficiency were assessed. The bi-HNTs showed cytocompatibility at a wide range of concentrations. Compared with regular-sized HNTs, reduced HNTs (~6 microns) were taken up by cells in more significant amounts, but increased cytotoxicity lead to apoptosis. Multi-photon images confirmed the intracellular location of bi-HNTs, and the method of cell entry was mainly through caveolae-mediated endocytosis. The bi-HNTs showed a high drug loading efficiency with methotrexate and a prolonged period of release. Most importantly, bi-HNTs were designed as a drug carrier to target cancer cells specifically, and imaging data shows that non-cancerous cells were unaffected after exposure to MTX-doped bi-HNTs. All data provide support for our nanoparticle design as a mechanism to selectively target cancer cells and significantly reduce the side-effects caused by off-targeting of anti-cancer drugs.

Targeted Antitumor Mechanism of C-PC/CMC-CD55sp Nanospheres in HeLa Cervical Cancer Cells

In vitro studies had shown that C-Phycocyanin (C-PC) inhibited cervical cancer HeLa cells growth. We constructed C-PC/CMC-CD55sp nanospheres using C-PC, Carboxymethyl Chitosan (CMC), and CD55 ligand peptide (CD55sp) to allow for targeted antitumor effects against HeLa cells in vitro and in vivo. The characteristics of the nanospheres were determined using FTIR, electron microscopy, and laser particle size analysis. Flow cytometry, laser confocal microscopy and small animal imaging system showed the targeting of C-PC/CMC-CD55sp nanospheres on HeLa cells. Subsequently, the proliferation and apoptosis were analyzed by Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8), flow cytometry, TUNEL assay and electron microscopy. The expression of the apoptosis-related protein was determined using western blot. The stainings of Hematoxylin and Eosin (HE) were employed to evaluate the cell condition of tumor tissue sections. The cytokines in the blood in tumor-bearing nude mice was determined using ELISA. These results showed that C-PC/CMC-CD55sp nanospheres were successfully constructed and targeted HeLa cells. The constructed nanospheres were more effective than C-PC alone in inhibiting the proliferation and inducing apoptosis in HeLa cells. We also found that C-PC/CMC-CD55sp nanospheres had a significant inhibitory effect on the expression of antiapoptotic protein Bcl-2 and a promotion on the transformation of caspase 3 to cleaved caspase 3. C-PC/CMC-CD55sp nanospheres played an important role in tumor suppression, reduced the expression TGF-β, and increased IL-6 and TNF-α. This study demonstrates that the constructed new C-PC/CMC-CD55sp nanospheres exerted targeted antitumor effects in vivo and in vitro which provided a novel idea for application of C-PC, and provided experimental basis for comprehensive targeted treatment of tumors.

Production, physicochemical characterization, and anticancer activity of methotrexate-loaded phytic acid-chitosan nanoparticles on HT-29 human colon adenocarcinoma cells

Methotrexate-loaded phytic acid-chitosan nanoparticles were synthesized by ionic gelation assisted by high-intensity sonication. The nanoparticles were characterized by particle size, polydispersity index, zeta potential (ZP) and encapsulation efficiency. Their physical stability was evaluated at 4 °C and 40 °C, whereas the in-vitro methotrexate release was assessed at pH 7.4. The data were heuristically fit to first-order, Higuchi, Peppas-Sahlin and Korsmeyer-Peppas models of release kinetics. Anticancer activity was evaluated using the 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazoliumbromide (MTT) assay on HT-29 human colon adenocarcinoma cells. Physicochemical analysis showed that the nanoparticles presented positive ZP values, sizes less than <300 nm and low polydispersity, except for systems formed with low amplitude sonication. The nanoparticles exhibited an adequate physical stability and a capability to modify methotrexate release by a non-Fickian mechanism, resulting in a more pronounced cytotoxic effect than the free drug on HT-29 human colon adenocarcinoma cells.

Basics to advances in nanotherapy of colorectal cancer

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most common cancer existing across the globe. It begins with the formation of polyps leading to the development of metastasis, especially in advanced stage patients, who necessitate intensive chemotherapy that usually results in a poor response and high morbidity owing to multidrug resistance and severe untoward effects to the non-cancerous cells. Advancements in the targeted drug delivery permit the targeting of tumor cells without affecting the non-tumor cells. Various nanocarriers such as liposomes, polymeric nanoparticles, carbon nanotubes, micelles, and nanogels, etc. are being developed and explored for effective delivery of cytotoxic drugs to the target site thereby enhancing the drug distribution and bioavailability, simultaneously subduing the side effects. Moreover, immunotherapy for CRC is being explored for last few decades. Few clinical trials have even potentially benefited patients suffering from CRC, still immunotherapy persists merely an experimental alternative. Assessment of the ongoing and completed trials is to be warranted for effective treatment of CRC. Scientists are paying efforts to develop novel carrier systems that may enhance the targeting potential of low therapeutic index chemo- and immune-therapeutics. Several preclinical studies have revealed the superior efficacy of nanotherapy in CRC as compared to conventional approaches. Clinical trials are being recruited to ascertain the safety and efficacy of CRC therapies. The present review discourses in a nutshell the molecular interventions including the genetics, signaling pathways involved in CRC, and advances in various strategies explored for the treatment of CRC with a special emphasis on nanocarriers based drug targeting.

Preparation and Characterization of Fe3O4@MTX Magnetic Nanoparticles for Thermochemotherapy of Primary Central Nervous System Lymphoma in vitro and in vivo

Background

Primary central nervous system lymphomas (PCNSL) are extranodal malignant non-Hodgkin lymphomas (NHL) that arise exclusively in central nervous system (CNS). Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) is the most common histological subtype.

Purpose

To evaluate whether nano drug-loading system-mediated magnetic-targeted thermochemotherapy could produce a better therapeutic effect than single chemotherapy while reducing the use of chemotherapeutic drugs.

Methods

Six groups (control, Fe₃O₄, MTX, Fe₃O₄@MTX, Fe₃O₄ with hyperthermia and Fe₃O₄@MTX with hyperthermia) were set. Tumor cell apoptosis in each treatment group was detected by flow cytometry. Apoptosis-related gene expressions Caspase-3, Bax and Bcl-2 were detected by qPCR and Western blot; intracranial tumor model of PCNSL was established by intracranial injection of OCI-LY18 tumor cells into BALB/c-Nude mice. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was used to monitor tumor progression and H&E staining was used to observe pathological changes of the tumor tissue.

Results

In vitro, compared with chemotherapy alone, apoptosis rate of Fe₃O₄@MTX mediated thermochemotherapy group was significantly increased, and expression of apoptosis-inducing gene Caspase-3 and Bax were significantly upregulated in OCI-LY18 cells, while expression of apoptosis-inhibiting Bcl-2 gene was significantly downregulated. In vivo, MRI showed successful generation of intracranial tumor, and tumor volume was significantly smaller in combined thermochemotherapy group than in single chemotherapy group. H&E staining result of tumor tissues in each group was consistent with MRI; tumor cells were significantly reduced in thermochemotherapy group. Expression of apoptosis-related gene Caspase-3 and Bax were significantly upregulated in tumor tissues, while expression of Bcl-2 gene was significantly downregulated.

Conclusion

These results demonstrated in vivo and in vitro that the combined thermochemotherapy of Fe₃O₄@MTX MNPs was superior to the single MTX chemotherapy with less dosage, which may promote apoptosis of DLBCL cells through the mitochondrial apoptotic pathway and provided a new way for the treatment of PCNSL.

Polymeric nanoparticles as carrier for targeted and controlled delivery of anticancer agents

In recent decades, many novel methods by using nanoparticles (NPs) have been investigated for diagnosis, drug delivery and treatment of cancer. Accordingly, the potential of NPs as carriers is very significant for the delivery of anticancer drugs, because cancer treatment with NPs has led to the improvement of some of the drug delivery limitations such as low blood circulation time and bioavailability, lack of water solubility, drug adverse effect. In addition, the NPs protect drugs against enzymatic degradation and can lead to the targeted and/or controlled release of the drug. The present review focuses on the potential of NPs that can help the targeted and/or controlled delivery of anticancer agents for cancer therapy.

Self-sensibilized polymeric prodrug co-delivering MMP-9 shRNA plasmid for combined treatment of tumors

Polymeric prodrugs are of immense interest as anticancer drug-delivery system owing to their superior drug stability during circulation and satisfactory drug loading capacity. However, they are usually less effective than free drugs due to imperfect degradable characteristics or active sites blockage. A polymeric prodrug (HPAA-MTX) with chemotherapeutic self-sensibilization effect consisting of glutathione (GSH)-triggered hyperbranched poly(amido amine) (HPAA) and methotrexate (MTX) was designed and synthesized in this work. This prodrug not only showed better inhibition effect on the tumor cells proliferation compared with free MTX, but also displayed selective sensibilization to tumor cells rather than normal cells. Meanwhile, HPAA-MTX was also explored as a MMP-9 shRNA plasmid delivery vector due to their rich amino group of HPAA, accompanying with MTX for simultaneous inhibiting tumor cells proliferation and migration. As expected, HPAA-MTX possessed excellent gene delivery capacity with significant down-regulation expression of MMP-9 protein and further inhibition of MCF-7 cells migration. Benefiting from the self-sensibilization effect and MTX/MMP-9 co-delivery strategy, this HPAA-MTX/MMP-9 co-delivery system exhibited significantly improved therapeutic efficacy to breast cancer in a combined manner which was confirmed through in vitro and in vivo assays. The strategy established in this study provided a facile "all-in-one" platform to integrate the drug/gene co-delivery strategy and self-sensibilization effect into one single nanocomposite for potential cancer treatment.

STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE

A cationic polymeric prodrug with chemotherapeutic self-sensibilization effect was designed and showed better inhibition effect on tumor cells proliferation compared with its free drug, as well displayed the selective sensibilization effect to tumor cells rather than normal cells. Moreover, the prodrug could also deliver MMP-9 shRNA plasmid for a combined therapy. As expected, the prodrug possessed excellent gene delivery capacity with significant down-regulation expression of MMP-9 protein and further inhibition of MCF-7 cells migration. Benefiting from the self-sensibilization effect and the drug/gene co-delivery strategy, this prodrug exhibited significantly improved therapeutic efficacy to breast cancer in a combined manner.

Quantitative [Fe]MRI determination of the dynamics of PSMA-targeted SPIONs discriminates among prostate tumor xenografts based on their PSMA expression

BACKGROUND

There is a need for a quantitative MRI method for iron concentration magnetic resonance imaging suitable for measuring the delivery of targeted superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (SPIONs) to tumors.

PURPOSE

To apply our newly developed [Fe]MRI method to the quantitative imaging in both space and time of the iron dynamics of anti-prostate specific membrane antigen (PSMA) conjugated SPIONs within human prostate tumor xenografts in nude mice.

STUDY TYPE

Longitudinal.

ANIMAL MODEL

45 Harlan Sprague Dawley athymic nude mice bearing xenografts from PSMA-positive LNCaP, C4-2 and PSMA-negative DU145 tumors from human prostate tumor cell lines.

FIELD STRENGTH/SEQUENCE

1.0 Tesla/ T₁ and T₂ weighted spin echo.

ASSESSMENT

Image intensity and contrast measurements.

STATISTICAL TESTS

Student's t-test.

RESULTS

The SPION diffusion coefficient within tumors was D = 44.8 ± 2.4 × 10^-6 mm² /s. The iron taken up by PSMA-positive LNCaP and C4-2 tumors was proportional to the tail-vein injected dose from 60 nmol to 1.6 μmol; injection of 1 μmol of iron in anti-PSMA conjugated SPIONs resulted in a tumor [Fe] of 76 μM. Even at the highest iron dose of 1.6 μmol, the PSMA-negative DU145 tumors took up no significant iron from the anti-PSMA conjugated SPIONs. A similar lack of nonspecific uptake was observed when the antibodies against PSMA were omitted from the injected SPION preparation. The fraction of the initial iron dose that was taken up by PSMA-positive tumors was 2.32 ± 0.75% (n = 10); uptake by the PSMA-negative DU145 tumors and for SPIONs without anti-PSMA antibodies was 0.16 ± 0.34% (n = 7) giving a ratio of [Fe] in PSMA + versus PSMA- tumors greater than 15:1 (P = 0.01).

DATA CONCLUSION

Quantitative [Fe]MRI of anti-PSMA conjugated SPIONs discriminated between PSMA-positive LNCaP and C4-2 and PSMA-negative DU145 human prostate tumor xenografts in vivo.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

1 Technical Efficacy: Stage 2 J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2017. J. MAGN. RESON. IMAGING 2018;48:469-481.

Development and in vitro evaluation of mucoadhesive patches of methotrexate for targeted delivery in oral cancer

The present study focused on the development of a mucoadhesive patch of methotrexate (MTX) for targeted delivery in oral cancer. Initially, MTX-loaded liposomes were prepared using the thin film hydration method, and had a mean diameter of 105.7-137.4 nm and percentage entrapment efficiency of 54.6±3.5. These liposomes were cast in optimized mucoadhesive film. The film was characterized by its release pattern, thickness, weight and percentage swelling index and the sustained release profile of the optimized film was evaluated. The developed liposomes and liposomes cast in the film formulation were evaluated for cytotoxicity in HSC-3 cells using an MTT assay, and a significant decrease in the half maximal inhibitory concentration of MTX was identified with the MTX-entrapped liposomal film, M-LP-F7. The results of the mitochondria-dependent intrinsic pathway demonstrated that there was significant mitochondrial membrane potential disruption with M-LP-F7 compared with the plain drug. M-LP-F7 increased the rate of apoptosis in HSC-3 cells by almost 3-fold. Elevated levels of reactive oxygen species provided evidence that M-LP-F7 exerts a pro-oxidant effect in HSC-3 cells.