Recent advances in nanomedicine for metabolism-targeted cancer therapy

Protein-functionalized and intrinsically radiolabeled [188Re]ReOx nanoparticles: advancing cancer therapy through concurrent radio-photothermal effects

PURPOSE

Enhancing therapeutic effectiveness is crucial for translating anticancer nanomedicines from laboratory to clinical settings. In this study, we have developed radioactive rhenium oxide nanoparticles encapsulated in human serum albumin ([188Re]ReOx-HSA NPs) for concurrent radiotherapy (RT) and photothermal therapy (PTT), aiming to optimize treatment outcomes.

METHODS

[188Re]ReOx-HSA NPs were synthesized by a controlled reduction of 188ReO4- in HSA medium and extensively characterized. The anticancer effect of [188Re]ReOx-HSA NPs was demonstrated in vitro in murine melanoma (B16F10) cell line. In vivo SPECT/CT imaging, autoradiography and biodistribution studies were performed after intratumoral injection of [188Re]ReOx-HSA NPs in melanoma tumor-bearing C57BL/6 mice. The potential of [188Re]ReOx-HSA NPs for combined RT and PTT treatment was also demonstrated in the aforesaid mice model.

RESULTS

[188Re]ReOx-HSA NPs (size 4-6 nm) were synthesized with high colloidal and radiochemical stability. Upon laser (808 nm) exposure on B16F10 cells incubated with [188Re]ReOx-HSA NPs, only < 20% of cells were alive demonstrating high therapeutic efficacy under in vitro settings. Uniform dose distribution and retention of the radiolabeled NPs in the tumor volume were observed via SPECT/CT imaging and autoradiography studies. Tumor growth in mice model was significantly arrested with ~ 1.85 MBq dose of [188Re]ReOx-HSA NPs and simultaneous laser irradiation, demonstrating synergistic benefit of RT and PTT.

CONCLUSIONS

These results demonstrate that intrinsically radiolabeled [188Re]ReOx-HSA NPs having unique features such as high photothermal effects and favorable nuclear decay characteristics for combined RT/PTT, hold great promise for clinical translation.

Nanomaterial-based regulation of redox metabolism for enhancing cancer therapy

Altered redox metabolism is one of the hallmarks of tumor cells, which not only contributes to tumor proliferation, metastasis, and immune evasion, but also has great relevance to therapeutic resistance. Therefore, regulation of redox metabolism of tumor cells has been proposed as an attractive therapeutic strategy to inhibit tumor growth and reverse therapeutic resistance. In this respect, nanomedicines have exhibited significant therapeutic advantages as intensively reported in recent studies. In this review, we would like to summarize the latest advances in nanomaterial-assisted strategies for redox metabolic regulation therapy, with a focus on the regulation of redox metabolism-related metabolite levels, enzyme activity, and signaling pathways. In the end, future expectations and challenges of such emerging strategies have been discussed, hoping to enlighten and promote their further development for meeting the various demands of advanced cancer therapies. It is highly expected that these therapeutic strategies based on redox metabolism regulation will play a more important role in the field of nanomedicine.

Metabolic vulnerabilities in cancer: A new therapeutic strategy

Cancer metabolism is now a key area for therapeutic intervention, targeting unique metabolic reprogramming crucial for tumor growth and survival. This article reviews the therapeutic potential of addressing metabolic vulnerabilities through glycolysis and glutaminase inhibitors, which disrupt cancer cell metabolism. Challenges such as tumor heterogeneity and adaptive resistance are discussed, with strategies including personalized medicine and predictive biomarkers to enhance treatment efficacy. Additionally, integrating diet and lifestyle changes with metabolic targeting underscores a holistic approach to improving therapy outcomes. The article also examines the benefits of incorporating these strategies into standard care, highlighting the potential for more tailored, safer treatments. In conclusion, exploiting metabolic vulnerabilities promises a new era in oncology, positioning metabolic targeting at the forefront of personalized cancer therapy and transforming patient care.