Recent advances of nanotechnology in the diagnosis and therapy of triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC)

Targeting triple negative breast cancer stem cells using nanocarriers

Breast cancer is a complex and heterogeneous disease, encompassing various subtypes characterized by distinct molecular features, clinical behaviors, and treatment responses. Categorization of subtypes is based on the presence or absence of estrogen receptor (ER), progesterone receptor (PR), and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2), leading to subtypes such as luminal A, luminal B, HER2-positive, and triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC). TNBC, comprising around 20% of all breast cancers, lacks expression of ER, PR, and HER2 receptors, rendering it unresponsive to targeted therapies and presenting significant challenges in treatment. TNBC is associated with aggressive behavior, high rates of recurrence, and resistance to chemotherapy. Tumor initiation, progression, and treatment resistance in TNBC are attributed to breast cancer stem cells (BCSCs), which possess self-renewal, differentiation, and tumorigenic potential. Surface markers, self-renewal pathways (Notch, Wnt, Hedgehog signaling), apoptotic protein (Bcl-2), angiogenesis inhibition (VEGF inhibitors), and immune modulation (cytokines, immune checkpoint inhibitors) are among the key targets discussed in this review. However, targeting the BCSC subpopulation in TNBC presents challenges, including off-target effects, low solubility, and bioavailability of anti-BCSC agents. Nanoparticle-based therapies offer a promising approach to target various molecular pathways and cellular processes implicated in survival of BSCS in TNBC. In this review, we explore various nanocarrier-based approaches for targeting BCSCs in TNBC, aiming to overcome these challenges and improve treatment outcomes for TNBC patients. These nanoparticle-based therapeutic strategies hold promise for addressing the therapeutic gap in TNBC treatment by delivering targeted therapies to BCSCs while minimizing systemic toxicity and enhancing treatment efficacy.

Theranostics for Triple-Negative Breast Cancer

Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is an aggressive subtype of breast cancer with poor prognosis. Current endocrine therapy or anti HER-2 therapy is not available for these patients. Chemotherapeutic treatment response varies among patients due to the disease heterogeneity. To overcome these challenges, theranostics for treating TNBC have been widely investigated. Anticancer material conjugated nanoparticles with target-binding ligand and tracer agents enable simultaneous drug delivery and visualization of the lesion with minimal off-target toxicity. In this review, we summarize recently FDA-approved targeted therapies for TNBC, such as poly-ADP-ribose polymerase (PARP) inhibitors, check point inhibitors, and antibody-drug conjugates. Particularly, novel theranostic approaches including lipid-based, polymer-based, and carbon-based nanocarriers are discussed, which can provide basic overview of nano-therapeutic modalities in TNBC diagnosis and treatment.

Design Optimization and Evaluation of Solid Lipid Nanoparticles of Azelnidipine for the treatment of Hypertension

BACKGROUND

Solid lipid nanoparticles (SLN) are the most promising lipid-based drug delivery utilized for enhancing the solubility, bioavailability, and therapeutic efficacy of poorly water-soluble molecules. Azelnidipine (AZN) is a calcium channel blocker widely recommended for the treatment of high blood pressure but its activity is restricted due to high lipophilicity and poor solubility in the GIT. The current research focused on the development of the SLN of AZN and thereby improving the absorption, bioavailability, and therapeutic efficacy in hypertension which is a leading cause of death worldwide. Recent patents on SLN was available as U.S. Patent,10,973,798B2, U.S. Patent 10,251,960B2, U.S. Patent 2021/0069121A1, U.S. Patent 2022/0151945A1.

METHODS

SLN was developed by hot melt emulsification and ultrasonication method using glyceryl monostearate (GMS) as solid lipid and Poloxamer 188 as a surfactant for the stabilization of colloidal dispersion.

RESULTS

Box-Behnken model was utilized which predicted 13 batches in which concentration of GMS (X1), Poloxamer 188 (X2) and sonication time (X3) were considered as independent parameters. The particle size (Y1) and entrapment efficiency (Y2) were dependable parameters and optimized batch F2 showed a particle size of 166.4 nm, polydispersity index of 0.40 and zeta potential of -13.7 mV. The entrapment efficiency was observed at 86.21 %. FTIR spectra confirm the identity and compatibility with the formulation components. The differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) confirmed the absence of melting point and interpreted that AZN was entirely incorporated in the lipid matrix and transformed from crystalline to amorphous form. The ANOVA for the particle size (p-value: 0.0203), % EE (p-value: 0.0271) was found significant. The in-vitro drug release showed a sustained release pattern for about 12 h. The AZN-loaded SLN was lyophilized and intended for oral delivery.

CONCLUSION

AZN-loaded SLN was developed by the hot melt emulsification method which accelerated the solubility and bioavailability and released in a sustained manner for treating hypertension.

Insights on prospects of nano-siRNA based approaches in treatment of Cancer

siRNA interference, commonly referred to as gene silence, is a biological mechanism that inhibits gene expression in disorders such as cancer. It may enhance the precision, efficacy, and stability of medicines, especially genetic therapies to some extent. However, obstacles such as the delivery of oligonucleotide drugs to inaccessible areas of the body and the prevalence of severe side effects must be overcome. To maximize their potential, it is thus essential to optimize their distribution to target locations and limit their toxicity to healthy cells. The action of siRNA may be harnessed to delete a similar segment of mRNA that encodes a protein that causes sickness. The absence of an efficient delivery mechanism that shields siRNA from nuclease degradation, delivers it to cancer cells and releases it into the cytoplasm of specific cancer cells without causing side effects is currently the greatest obstacle to the practical implementation of siRNA therapy. This article focuses on combinations of siRNA with chemotherapeutic drug delivery systems for the treatment of cancer and gives an overview of several nanocarrier formulations in both research and clinical applications.

Ketamine promotes breast tumor growth in a mouse breast tumor model involving with high expression of miR-27b-3p and EGFR

Non-medical use of ketamine as an adulterant to ecstasy is more prevalent than amphetamine in Taiwan. Ketamine's effect on immunosuppression might play some functional role in tumor growth, while it is still controversial whether ketamine abuse could increase tumor growth or not. This study aimed to investigate the influence of ketamine addiction in breast tumors and related gene expressions. The effect of ketamine treatment on proliferation, colony formation, migration, and invasion of triple-negative breast cancer cell line EO771 was examined. In addition, a ketamine addiction mice model was established by intraperitoneal injection (IP) of ketamine in mice and used to investigate the effects of ketamine addiction on tumor growth and the possible mechanisms. In the in vitro studies, ketamine treatment at different concentrations did not affect EO771 cell proliferation and colony formation. But ketamine did enhance migration and invasion of EO771 cells. The in vivo experiments showed significantly increased breast tumor volume and weight in ketamine-addicted mice than in normal saline groups. miR-27b-3p level, human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2), and epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) significantly increased in tumors of ketamine addiction mice compared to control mice. In vivo evidence showed that Ketamine might increase tumor growth on the tumor microenvironment, and miR-27b-3p, HER2, and EGFR might play a role in the process.