Nanoparticles and Microfluidic Devices in Cancer Research

A novel 3D pillar/well array platform using patient-derived head and neck tumor to predict the individual radioresponse

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Radiotherapy is a critical modality in head and neck cancer treatment.

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A novel 3D pillar/well array platform provides the individual radioresponse biomarker, RT_auc.

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Poor and good radioresponse group by RT_auc correlates with other clinical features.

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RT_auc shows potential for radioresponse biomarker, useful in clinical decision-making.

Predicting individual radiotherapy (RT) response is valuable in managing head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). We assessed the feasibility of our novel 3D culture platform to measure radioresponse using patient-derived cells (PDCs) from HNSCC patients.

Cells from the FaDu line and tumor samples from 39 HNSCC patients were cultivated serially in Matrigel^TM on a 3D pillar/well array culture system. The 3D tumor models were exposed to 0 to 8 Gy of radiation dose, and the radioresponse index (RT_auc, area under the dose-response curve) was measured quantitatively with Calcein AM staining of live tumor cells. Calcein AM fluorescence showed reduced density and the number of FaDu colonies as radiation increased, implying a dose-dependent effect on cell viability in the 3D pillar/well culture system. 3D tumor models using PDCs were established successfully from 39 HNSCC patient tumor samples, maintaining original genomic and pathological characteristics. These 3D tumor models were exposed to ionizing radiation on a 3D pillar/well array, with a mean period of 12 days from tumor harvest to the measurement of RT_auc. The RT_auc of all PDCs varied from 3.5 to 9.4, and the lower 40th percentile (Z-score = -0.26) was considered a good radioresponse group with a threshold RT_auc of 4.6. The good radioresponse group showed fewer adverse features than others. As of the last follow-up, recurrence-free survival was better in the good radioresponse group (p = 0.037). 3D pillar/well array platforms using PDC could rapidly quantify radioresponse index in patients with HNSCC, showing potential as a novel prognosticator.

Camouflaged Hybrid Cancer Cell-Platelet Fusion Membrane Nanovesicles Deliver Therapeutic MicroRNAs to Presensitize Triple-Negative Breast Cancer to Doxorubicin

Camouflaged cell-membrane-based nanoparticles have been gaining increasing attention owing to their improved biocompatibility and immunomodulatory properties. Using nanoparticles prepared from the membranes of specific cell types, or fusions derived from different cells membranes, can improve their functional performance in several aspects. Here, we used cell membranes extracted from breast cancer cells and platelets to fabricate a hybrid-membrane vesicle fusion (cancer cell-platelet-fusion-membrane vesicle, CPMV) in which we loaded therapeutic microRNAs (miRNAs) for the treatment of triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC). We used a clinically scalable microfluidic platform for the fusion of cell membranes. The reconstitution process during synthesis allows for efficient loading of miRNAs into CPMVs. We systematically optimized the conditions for preparation of miRNA-loaded CPMVs and demonstrated their property of homing to source cells using in vitro experiments, and by therapeutic evaluation in vivo. In vitro, the CPMVs exhibited significant recognition of their source cells and avoided engulfment by macrophages. After systemic delivery in mice, the CPMVs showed a prolonged circulation time and site-specific accumulation at implanted TNBC-xenografts. The delivered antimiRNAs sensitized TNBCs to doxorubicin, resulting in an improved therapeutic response and survival rate. This strategy has considerable potential for clinical translation to improve personalized therapy for breast cancer and other malignancies.

Electrochemical Nanobiosensors for Detection of Breast Cancer Biomarkers

This comprehensive review paper describes recent advances made in the field of electrochemical nanobiosensors for the detection of breast cancer (BC) biomarkers such as specific genes, microRNA, proteins, circulating tumor cells, BC cell lines, and exosomes or exosome-derived biomarkers. Besides the description of key functional characteristics of electrochemical nanobiosensors, the reader can find basic statistic information about BC incidence and mortality, breast pathology, and current clinically used BC biomarkers. The final part of the review is focused on challenges that need to be addressed in order to apply electrochemical nanobiosensors in a clinical practice.