Recent advances in lipid-engineered multifunctional nanophytomedicines for cancer targeting

Current advance of nanotechnology in diagnosis and treatment for malignant tumors

Cancer remains a significant risk to human health. Nanomedicine is a new multidisciplinary field that is garnering a lot of interest and investigation. Nanomedicine shows great potential for cancer diagnosis and treatment. Specifically engineered nanoparticles can be employed as contrast agents in cancer diagnostics to enable high sensitivity and high-resolution tumor detection by imaging examinations. Novel approaches for tumor labeling and detection are also made possible by the use of nanoprobes and nanobiosensors. The achievement of targeted medication delivery in cancer therapy can be accomplished through the rational design and manufacture of nanodrug carriers. Nanoparticles have the capability to effectively transport medications or gene fragments to tumor tissues via passive or active targeting processes, thus enhancing treatment outcomes while minimizing harm to healthy tissues. Simultaneously, nanoparticles can be employed in the context of radiation sensitization and photothermal therapy to enhance the therapeutic efficacy of malignant tumors. This review presents a literature overview and summary of how nanotechnology is used in the diagnosis and treatment of malignant tumors. According to oncological diseases originating from different systems of the body and combining the pathophysiological features of cancers at different sites, we review the most recent developments in nanotechnology applications. Finally, we briefly discuss the prospects and challenges of nanotechnology in cancer.

Fisetin nanoparticles based on cells cycle and apoptosis intervention for the treatment of lymphoma and leukemia

Lymphoma and leukemia are both hematological system tumors with complex etiology, and mainly treated with chemotherapeutic drugs. However, therapeutic drugs can interrupt curative effect due to different side effects. Therefore, it is worthwhile to develop a novel therapeutic for providing insights for clinical tumor treatment. In this study, we developed a fisetin nanoparticles (Fisetin NPs) through a self-assembled method, and investigated the activity and potential mechanism of Fisetin NPs against lymphoma and leukemia. The spherical and uniformly distributed Fisetin NPs effectively inhibited both tumor cells proliferation, arrested EL4 cells G0/G1 phase and K562 cells G2/M phase, and induced apoptosis in vitro. In vivo, Fisetin NPs exhibited excellent tumor growth inhibition, effective inhibition of cell proliferation and angiogenesis, significant induction of apoptosis and ideal safety. Mechanically, fisetin upregulated genes (Fas, Pidd, Puma, Apaf1, and p21) in the p53 signaling pathway and bound to N-acetyltransferase 10 (NAT10), ribosomal protein L34 (RPL34) and GTP binding protein 4 (GTPBP4). Collectively, Fisetin NPs have promising therapeutic effects on lymphoma and leukemia, which are of great significant for clinical implications.

Development of chitosan-folate modified PLGA nanoparticles for targeted delivery of diosgenin as an anticancer agent

Diosgenin as a potential phytoconstituent and steroidal saponin manifested significant anticancer agents against various cancers. To enhance its solubility and bioavailability in cancer treatment, we loaded diosgenin (PubChem CID: 99474) in poly(lactic-co-glycolide) (PLGA) nanoparticle coated with folic acid-chitosan (Da-PFC-NPs). The diosgenin nano-formulation was characterized and its antioxidant and anticancer properties were surveyed respectively. The obtained results illustrated that the Da-PFC-NPs were spherical and stable with a size of 218 nm and a polydispersity index of 0.41. The Da-PFC-NPs indicated potential free radical scavenging using ABTS and DPPH assay. Meanwhile, it demonstrated selective toxicity against the TUBO breast cancer cell with IC50 values of 104.45 μg/ml and did not show toxicity on normal cells (I929 cell line). The invivo funding exhibited that Da-PFC-NPs notably  altered the liver enzymes (AST, ALT, ALP) and immunoglobulins (IgA, IgG, IgM). Besides that, different doses of Da-PFC-NPs (50 and 100 mg/kg) remarkedly enhance the expression of caspase 3 and decrease HER2 genes. In light of this experiment, we can conclude that Da-PFC-NPs have promise as novel carrier for improving the delivery of diosgenin in cancer therapy.

Cell-derived nanomaterials for biomedical applications

The ever-growing use of nature-derived materials creates exciting opportunities for novel development in various therapeutic biomedical applications. Living cells, serving as the foundation of nanoarchitectonics, exhibit remarkable capabilities that enable the development of bioinspired and biomimetic systems, which will be explored in this review. To understand the foundation of this development, we first revisited the anatomy of cells to explore the characteristics of the building blocks of life that is relevant. Interestingly, animal cells have amazing capabilities due to the inherent functionalities in each specialized cell type. Notably, the versatility of cell membranes allows red blood cells and neutrophils' membranes to cloak inorganic nanoparticles that would naturally be eliminated by the immune system. This underscores how cell membranes facilitate interactions with the surroundings through recognition, targeting, signalling, exchange, and cargo attachment. The functionality of cell membrane-coated nanoparticles can be tailored and improved by strategically engineering the membrane, selecting from a variety of cell membranes with known distinct inherent properties. On the other hand, plant cells exhibit remarkable capabilities for synthesizing various nanoparticles. They play a role in the synthesis of metal, carbon-based, and polymer nanoparticles, used for applications such as antimicrobials or antioxidants. One of the versatile components in plant cells is found in the photosynthetic system, particularly the thylakoid, and the pigment chlorophyll. While there are challenges in consistently synthesizing these remarkable nanoparticles derived from nature, this exploration begins to unveil the endless possibilities in nanoarchitectonics research.

Vincristine-based nanoformulations: a preclinical and clinical studies overview

Vincristine (VCR) is a chemotherapeutic agent obtained from natural alkaloid plant source Catharanthus roseus. VCR has been significantly useful in treatments of lung cancer, lymphocyte-based leukaemia, glioblastomas and acute myeloid leukaemia. VCR attaches to tubulin fibrils and prevents filament polymerization that permanently led to mitosis inhibition in cancer cells. Clinically, VCR is administered to patients in multidrug combination to reduce adverse drug effects and potential blockage of bone marrow inhibition due to prescribed monotherapy. However, VCR possesses low cancer tissue affinity and at higher dose often led to irreversible neurotoxicity. Conventional VCR injectables are successfully used in clinics, but lack of controlled release, non-specific biodistribution and consequent off-target side effects are still major challenges. Currently, nanotechnological drug delivery systems are being explored for improvement of VCR pharmacokinetic profile and tumour-specific targeting. Various nanomedicine formulations such as liposomes, lipid nanoparticles, and polymeric nanocarriers of VCR have been studied under various in vitro and in vivo models. In this review, we have summarised the chemotherapeutic role of VCR, evaluated the mechanism of action, pharmacokinetics and challenges associated with VCR delivery. Moreover, application of VCR in nanomedicine and effect on anticancer efficacy in preclinical and clinical setting are also being discussed.

Supramolecular self-assembled peptide-engineered nanofibers: A propitious proposition for cancer therapy

Cancer is a devastating disease that causes a substantial number of deaths worldwide. Current therapeutic interventions for cancer include chemotherapy, radiation therapy, or surgery. These conventional therapeutic approaches are associated with disadvantages such as multidrug resistance, destruction of healthy tissues, and tissue toxicity. Therefore, there is a paradigm shift in cancer management wherein nanomedicine-based novel therapeutic interventions are being explored to overcome the aforementioned disadvantages. Supramolecular self-assembled peptide nanofibers are emerging drug delivery vehicles that have gained much attention in cancer management owing to their biocompatibility, biodegradability, biomimetic property, stimuli-responsiveness, transformability, and inherent therapeutic property. Supramolecules form well-organized structures via non-covalent linkages, the intricate molecular arrangement helps to improve tissue permeation, pharmacokinetic profile and chemical stability of therapeutic agents while enabling targeted delivery and allowing efficient tumor imaging. In this review, we present fundamental aspects of peptide-based self-assembled nanofiber fabrication their applications in monotherapy/combinatorial chemo- and/or immuno-therapy to overcome multi-drug resistance. The role of self-assembled structures in targeted/stimuli-responsive (pH, enzyme and photo-responsive) drug delivery has been discussed along with the case studies. Further, recent advancements in peptide nanofibers in cancer diagnosis, imaging, gene therapy, and immune therapy along with regulatory obstacles towards clinical translation have been deliberated.

Advanced application of nanotechnology in active constituents of Traditional Chinese Medicines

Traditional Chinese Medicines (TCMs) have been used for centuries for the treatment and management of various diseases. However, their effective delivery to targeted sites may be a major challenge due to their poor water solubility, low bioavailability, and potential toxicity. Nanocarriers, such as liposomes, polymeric nanoparticles, inorganic nanoparticles and organic/inorganic nanohybrids based on active constituents from TCMs have been extensively studied as a promising strategy to improve the delivery of active constituents from TCMs to achieve a higher therapeutic effect with fewer side effects compared to conventional formulations. This review summarizes the recent advances in nanocarrier-based delivery systems for various types of active constituents of TCMs, including terpenoids, polyphenols, alkaloids, flavonoids, and quinones, from different natural sources. This review covers the design and preparation of nanocarriers, their characterization, and in vitro/vivo evaluations. Additionally, this review highlights the challenges and opportunities in the field and suggests future directions for research. Nanocarrier-based delivery systems have shown great potential in improving the therapeutic efficacy of TCMs, and this review may serve as a comprehensive resource to researchers in this field.

Overview of phytosomes in treating cancer: Advancement, challenges, and future outlook

One of the major causes of death on the globe is cancer. It has remained a significant obstacle for current therapies and has not yet been effectively treated. Conventional treatment strategies available for cancer such as surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy etc. have severe adverse effects. The use of herbal active constituents in cancer treatment has tremendous potential to increase the effectiveness of conventional cancer therapy. Natural plant active components have been reported to have strong in vitro pharmacological activity but narrow in vivo absorption. In order to increase their bioavailability and absorption and get around the drawbacks and negative effects of traditional herbal extracts, Phytosomes are one of the growing nanotechnologies that can be used to improve the miscibility of bioactive phytoconstituents in lipid-rich barriers and overcome their poor bioavailability. Many novel drug delivery carriers are employed for targeted delivery of phytoconstituent at the site of action. Phytosomes are well-known biocompatible nanocarriers that can be employed to increase the solubility and permeability of phytopharmaceuticals among various novel drug delivery systems (NDDS). This review mainly focused on various conventional as well as novel approaches and various Nano carrier used in cancer therapies. Also comprising summary of the most recent research on the development and use of phytosomes as a better carrier for herbal constituents in the treatment of cancer. Additionally provides information about the formulation, characterization technique and mechanism of drug release from phytosome. Some of the major herbal active constituents made of phytosome which have shown proven anticancer activity are also studied. Finally, challenges and future perspective related to phytosome in cancer treatment are also discussed.

Lipid-engineered nanotherapeutics for cancer management

Cancer causes significant mortality and morbidity worldwide, but existing pharmacological treatments are greatly limited by the inherent heterogeneity of cancer as a disease, as well as the unsatisfactory efficacy and specificity of therapeutic drugs. Biopharmaceutical barriers such as low permeability and poor water solubility, along with the absence of active targeting capabilities, often result in suboptimal clinical results. The difficulty of successfully reaching and destroying tumor cells is also often compounded with undesirable impacts on healthy tissue, including off-target effects and high toxicity, which further impair the ability to effectively manage the disease and optimize patient outcomes. However, in the last few decades, the development of nanotherapeutics has allowed for the use of rational design in order to maximize therapeutic success. Advances in the fabrication of nano-sized delivery systems, coupled with a variety of surface engineering strategies to promote customization, have resulted in promising approaches for targeted, site-specific drug delivery with fewer unwanted effects and better therapeutic efficacy. These nano systems have been able to overcome some of the challenges of conventional drug delivery related to pharmacokinetics, biodistribution, and target specificity. In particular, lipid-based nanosystems have been extensively explored due to their high biocompatibility, versatility, and adaptability. Lipid-based approaches to cancer treatment are varied and diverse, including liposomal therapeutics, lipidic nanoemulsions, solid lipid nanoparticles, nanostructured lipidic carriers, lipid-polymer nanohybrids, and supramolecular nanolipidic structures. This review aims to provide an overview of the use of diverse formulations of lipid-engineered nanotherapeutics for cancer and current challenges in the field, as researchers attempt to successfully translate these approaches from bench to clinic.

Cisplatin and oleanolic acid Co-loaded pH-sensitive CaCO3 nanoparticles for synergistic chemotherapy

Despite being one of the most potent anticancer agents, cisplatin (CDDP) clinical usage is limited owing to the acquired resistance and severe adverse effects including nephrotoxicity. The current work has offered a unique approach by designing a pH-sensitive calcium carbonate drug delivery system for CDDP and oleanolic acid (OA) co-delivery, with an enhanced tumor efficacy and reduced unwanted effects. Micro emulsion method was employed to generate calcium carbonate cores (CDDP encapsulated) followed by lipid coating along with the OA loading resulting in the generation of lipid-coated cisplatin/oleanolic acid calcium carbonate nanoparticles (CDDP/OA-LCC NPs). In vitro biological assays confirmed the synergistic apoptotic effect of CDDP and OA against HepG2 cells. It was further verified in vivo through the tumor-bearing nude mice model where NPs exhibited enhanced satisfactory antitumor efficacy in contrast to free drug solutions. In vivo pharmacokinetic study demonstrated that a remarkable long circulation time with a constant therapeutic concentration for both drugs could be achieved via this drug delivery system. In addition, the in vivo imaging study revealed that DiR-loaded NPs were concentrated more in tumors for a longer period of time as compared to other peritoneal tissues in tumor bearing mice, demonstrating the site specificity of the delivery system. On the other hand, hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining of Kunming mice kidney tissue sections revealed that OA greatly reduced CDDP induced nephrotoxicity in the formulation. Overall, these results confirmed that our pH-sensitive dual loaded drug delivery system offers a handy direction for effective and safer combination chemotherapy.

Efficacy of Nanofiber Sheets Incorporating Lenvatinib in a Hepatocellular Carcinoma Xenograft Model

Lenvatinib has a high response rate in unresectable advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). In this study, we investigated whether lenvatinib-incorporating poly(ε-caprolactone) sheets (lenvatinib sheets) as a drug delivery system (DDS) exerted antitumor effects in a murine HCC model. The lenvatinib sheets were designed for sustained release of approximately 1 mg lenvatinib for 14 days. For 14 days, 1 mg lenvatinib was orally administered to mice. Then, we compared the antitumor effects of lenvatinib sheets with those of oral lenvatinib. The tumor volume, body weight, and serum lenvatinib level were measured for 14 days. A peritoneal dissemination model was established to examine the survival prolongation effect of the lenvatinib sheets. Tumor growth was significantly inhibited in the lenvatinib sheet group compared with that in the no treatment and oral groups. The antitumor effect was significantly higher in the lenvatinib sheet group. Regardless of the insertion site, the serum lenvatinib levels were maintained and showed similar antitumor effects. The mitotic index was significantly inhibited in the lenvatinib sheet group compared with that in the control group. Furthermore, lenvatinib sheets improved the 30-day survival. Lenvatinib sheets showed sufficient antitumor effects and may serve as an effective novel DDS for advanced HCC.

Management of chemotherapy dose intensity for metastatic colorectal cancer (Review)

Chemotherapy dose intensity is a momentous parameter of antitumor clinical medication. In certain clinical trials, the actual application dose of the chemotherapeutic drugs is frequently different from the prescribed dose. The chemotherapy dose intensity completed in different trials is also variable, which has an impact on the treatment efficacy, disease prognosis and patient safety. When these agents are tested in the population, chemotherapy reduction and delay or failure to complete the planned cycle constantly occur due to age, performance status, adverse reactions and other reasons, resulting in the modification of the chemotherapy dose intensity. The present review analyzed the correlation between the chemotherapy dose intensity and the incidence of adverse reactions, the treatment efficacy and disease prognosis in clinical trials of metastatic colorectal cancer. Moreover, the clinical applications of chemotherapy dose intensity were discussed. Based on individual differences, the present review analyzed the clinical trials that examined the efficacy of the chemotherapy dose intensity in different patient populations. The conclusions suggested that different populations require a specific dose intensity to reduce treatment toxicity without affecting the curative effect.

Polyphenols as the Potential Disease-modifying Therapy in Cancer

BACKGROUND

Disease-modifying therapy in cancer can be defined as long-term treatment that has a beneficial outcome on the course of cancer, affecting the underlying pathophysiology. The anticancer potential of polyphenols is widely studied. However, there is a significant gap between experimental data obtained in vitro and in vivo and the current polyphenol role in cancer therapy.

OBJECTIVE

In this article, the reason for this inconsistency is discussed, which might be in the design of polyphenols clinical trials. The approach of long-term polyphenol disease-modifying therapy in cancer is encouraged.

CONCLUSION

As the physiologic concentrations of polyphenols are not sufficient for reaching the cytotoxic levels, the immune-modulatory effects and effects on cancer intrinsic signal transduction pathways should be considered in polyphenol clinical trials design. Such effects apparently can not cause the rapid regression of the disease. However, more likely, they can modulate the course of the disease, leading to favorable changes in the patient's condition in case of long-term treatment that can be considered to be cancer disease modification.