Shock Wave Application Increases the Antineoplastic Effect of Molecular Iodine Supplement in Breast Cancer Xenografts

Low-energy shock waves promote the cisplatin chemosensitivity of human osteosarcoma MNNG/HOS cells via the P2X7/Akt/mTOR pathway

Background

The current dilemma of osteosarcoma treatment is the resistance of chemotherapeutic drugs after long-term usage, which also introduces life-threatening side effects.

Methods and results

To minimize chemoresistance in osteosarcoma patients, the authors applied shock waves (SWs) to human osteosarcoma MNNG/HOS cells, then evaluated the cell viability and extracellular ATP levels, and further investigated the effect of SWs on cisplatin (DDP) cytotoxicity in MNNG/HOS cells. The authors' results showed that 400 SW pulses at 0.21 mJ/mm2 exhibited little influence on the MNNG/HOS cell viability. In addition, this SW condition significantly promoted the extracellular ATP release in MNNG/HOS cells. Importantly, low-energy SWs obviously increased Akt and mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) phosphorylation and activation in MNNG/HOS cells, which could be partially reversed in the presence of P2X7 siRNA. The authors also found that low-energy SWs strongly increased the DDP sensitivity of MNNG/HOS cells in the absence of P2X7.

Conclusions

For the first time, the authors found that SW therapy reduced the DDP resistance of MNNG/HOS osteosarcoma cells when the ATP receptor P2X7 was downregulated. SW therapy may provide a novel treatment strategy for chemoresistant human osteosarcoma.

Current views on in vivo models for breast cancer research and related drug development

INTRODUCTION

Animal models play a crucial role in breast cancer research, in particular mice and rats, who develop mammary tumors that closely resemble their human counterparts. These models allow the study of mechanisms behind breast carcinogenesis, as well as the efficacy and safety of new, and potentially more effective and advantageous therapeutic approaches. Understanding the advantages and disadvantages of each model is crucial to select the most appropriate one for the research purpose.

AREA COVERED

This review provides a concise overview of the animal models available for breast cancer research, discussing the advantages and disadvantages of each one for searching new and more effective approaches to treatments for this type of cancer.

EXPERT OPINION

Rodent models provide valuable information on the genetic alterations of the disease, the tumor microenvironment, and allow the evaluation of the efficacy of chemotherapeutic agents. However, in vivo models have limitations, and one of them is the fact that they do not fully mimic human diseases. Choosing the most suitable model for the study purpose is crucial for the development of new therapeutic agents that provide better care for breast cancer patients.

Extracorporeal Shock Wave Enhances the Cisplatin Efficacy by Improving Tissue Infiltration and Cellular Uptake in an Upper Urinary Tract Cancer Animal and Human-Derived Organoid Model

Upper urinary tract urothelial carcinoma (UTUC) is a relatively rare cancer with a poor prognosis if diagnosed at an advanced stage. Although cisplatin-based chemotherapy is a common treatment strategy, it has a limited response rate. Shock wave lithotripsy is a common treatment for upper urinary tract stones. Low-energy shock waves (LESWs) temporarily increase tissue permeability and enhance drug penetration to the targeted tissue. However, no study has investigated the efficacy of the combination of shock wave lithotripsy and chemotherapy in UTUC. Hence, in this study, we aimed to identify the potential application of the combination of LESW and chemotherapy in UTUC. We evaluated the synergistic effects of LESW and cisplatin in vitro, in vivo, and in patient-derived organoid (PDO) models. Compared with cisplatin alone, the combination treatment caused more significant tumour suppression in vitro and in animal models, without increased toxicity. Histological examination showed that compared with animals treated with cisplatin alone, those who received the combination treatment showed more deteriorated cell arrangement and cell oedema. Moreover, LESW improved the cytotoxicity of cisplatin in the preclinical PDO model of UTUC. Thus, LESW combined with cisplatin is a potential new antitumour strategy for improving the treatment response in locally advanced UTUC.